Off-Shore Processing Australia
Offshore Processing in Australia
Prepared by Anita Schenk
31/10/2012
2. Table of Contents Page
1. Title page 1 2. Table of Contents 2 3. Summary 3 4. Introduction 4 5.1 Objective 4 5.2 Background 4 5.3 Methods of Inquiry 4 5.4 Definition of Terms 4 5. Reasons Supporting the Use of Offshore Processing of Asylum Seekers 6 by Australia 6.5 Prevention of Deaths at Sea 6 6.6.1 ‘No Advantage’ Principle 6 6.6 Restriction of Business for People Smugglers 6 6. Reasons Against the Use of Offshore Processing of Asylum Seekers by Australia 7 7.7 UNHCR Convention State Responsibilities 7 7.8 Inhumane 7 7.9.2 Non Signature States as Destinations 7 7.9.3 ‘No advantage’ Policy 7 6.3 Ineffective at Achieving Aims 8 7. Conclusions 9 8. Recommendations 10 9.9 Increase Quota 10 9.10 Policy Change 10 9.11 More Funding 10 9. Reference List 11
3. Summary
The findings and conclusions presented in this report illustrate that implementation of offshore processing can deter asylum seekers from arriving in Australia by boat. By applying the No Advantage policy and choosing undesirable sites for processing, the Australian Government aims to prevent deaths at sea. Offshore processing also stops the success of the illegal people smuggling trade. There are many disadvantages however. Offshore processing neglects the responsibilities outlined in the 1951 refugee convention. The use of indefinite detention and second-grade facilities to deter asylum seekers could be considered inhumane. Whether the policy is effective at preventing deaths at sea is also questionable; as many continue to risk their lives despite the prospects of indefinite detention on Nauru and the Manus Islands. There are three (3) recommendations specified in this report: 1.
Prepared by Anita Schenk
31/10/2012
2. Table of Contents Page
1. Title page 1 2. Table of Contents 2 3. Summary 3 4. Introduction 4 5.1 Objective 4 5.2 Background 4 5.3 Methods of Inquiry 4 5.4 Definition of Terms 4 5. Reasons Supporting the Use of Offshore Processing of Asylum Seekers 6 by Australia 6.5 Prevention of Deaths at Sea 6 6.6.1 ‘No Advantage’ Principle 6 6.6 Restriction of Business for People Smugglers 6 6. Reasons Against the Use of Offshore Processing of Asylum Seekers by Australia 7 7.7 UNHCR Convention State Responsibilities 7 7.8 Inhumane 7 7.9.2 Non Signature States as Destinations 7 7.9.3 ‘No advantage’ Policy 7 6.3 Ineffective at Achieving Aims 8 7. Conclusions 9 8. Recommendations 10 9.9 Increase Quota 10 9.10 Policy Change 10 9.11 More Funding 10 9. Reference List 11
3. Summary
The findings and conclusions presented in this report illustrate that implementation of offshore processing can deter asylum seekers from arriving in Australia by boat. By applying the No Advantage policy and choosing undesirable sites for processing, the Australian Government aims to prevent deaths at sea. Offshore processing also stops the success of the illegal people smuggling trade. There are many disadvantages however. Offshore processing neglects the responsibilities outlined in the 1951 refugee convention. The use of indefinite detention and second-grade facilities to deter asylum seekers could be considered inhumane. Whether the policy is effective at preventing deaths at sea is also questionable; as many continue to risk their lives despite the prospects of indefinite detention on Nauru and the Manus Islands. There are three (3) recommendations specified in this report: 1.