Sri Lanka encourages Australia to promote human rights of migrants

Saturday, 19 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Geneva: Recommending the adoption of Australia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome at the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Thursday, Sri Lanka has urged Australia to protect the human rights of migrants in accordance with its international commitments.

“We encourage Australia to continue to promote and protect the human rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in accordance with its international commitments; particularly its efforts to enhance policies and procedures to protect children in immigration pathways and to promote their welfare,” the Sri Lankan delegation told the UNHRC on Thursday.

Speaking during the consideration of the outcome of Australia at the 31st session of UNHRC, the Sri Lankan delegation expressed appreciation to Australia for its “constructive engagement” during the Second Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.

“My delegation takes note of the initiatives taken by the Government of Australia in securing the rights of indigenous persons, by providing constitutional recognition pursuant to the proposed referendum on this matter,” the Sri Lankan delegation said.

Delivering the opening statement on the Australia’s UPR, John Paton Quinn, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the UN Office at Geneva said Australia has noted recommendations to cease mandatory immigration detention, turning back boats where it is safe to do so, or transferring people who arrive illegally by boat to other countries for processing and settlement.

He said the Australian Government remains committed to its strong immigration and border protection policies and these policies protect the integrity of Australia’s regular and safe global migration program and has been successful in damaging the “insidious people smuggling trade.”

Recognising many member nations’ concerns regarding children in immigration detention, the Australian representative said it is the position of the Australian Government that children are not held in immigration detention centers, but are accommodated in alternative places of detention.

“The Australian Government has prioritised reducing the numbers of children in detention and has made significant headway in this regard, according to the envoy.

Sri Lanka recommended the adoption of the UPR outcome of Australia and wished the Government of Australia success in the implementation of those recommendations.