18 April 2013
The Australian immigration department was accused of denying 38 failed asylum seekers access to legal advice before sending them back to Sri Lanka.
Australian Human Rights Commission president, Gillian Triggs, expressed concern regarding the 'enhanced screening process' that had been implemented on Sri Lankan boat arrivals, resulting in involuntary deportations back to Sri Lanka.
Triggs outlined that Austrailia risked breaching its non-refoulement obligations, which forbid asylum seekers from being returned to countries where they may be persecuted.
The Australian Human Rights Commission's criticism of Australia's demeanour comes amidst an influx of asylum seeking boats.
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