Access to Courts

UNHCR's submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee Inquiry into the provisions of the Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill 2006 & Questions taken on Notice 26 May 2006.

Submitted May 2006

This submission expresses UNHCR's concern at the proposed offshore processing measures.

Click here for the other submissions.

Click here for the Senate Report, 13 June 2006

Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Migration Litigation Reform Bill 2005

Submitted April 2005

The submission focuses on the issues of refugees’ access to courts and measures to discourage cases that have “no reasonable prospects of success.” The submission urges a cautious approach in seeking to reduce unmeritorious litigation in asylum cases.

Click here for the final report completed in May 2005. (pdf 314Kb)

Click here for other submissions.

Inquiry into the provisions of the Migration Amendment (Judicial Review) Bill 2004

Submitted April 2004

UNHCR reaffirms its view of the importance of judicial review of immigration decisions and of maintaining a full judicial oversight of any administrative process that directly affects Australia’s compliance with its international obligations.

Click here for final report completed in June 2004. (pdf 275Kb)

Click here for other submissions.

Migration Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2)

Submitted April 2000

The submission comments on the legislation, drawing attention to a concern for increased restriction on the right of judicial review to individual applicants.

Click here for final report tabled October 2000. (pdf 267Kb)

Click here for a list of the other submissions.

A Sanctuary Under Review: An Examination of Australia's Refugee and Humanitarian Determination Processes

Submitted August 1999

The submission answers several questions concerning Australia’s compliance with its international obligations concerning refugees and asylum seekers. It is UNHCR’s view that a main strength of Australia’s administrative processes is the supervision of the courts. 

Click here for final report completed in June 2000.
(pdf 1,837Kb)

Back to top...