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‘There are many resources on refugees and people seeking asylum. On this page, you can find the latest reports and other resources.
Latest resources
FutureAbility project: In-language factsheets on disabilities
These factsheets have been designed to help multicultural communities understand disability.
read moreThe Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants reports on Australia
The visit The Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, François Crépeau, visited Australia and the regional processing centres in Nauru from 1 to 18 November 2016. Consultations were…
Playing God: The Immigration Minister’s unrestrained power
This report highlights the unrestrained power of the Minister for Immigration. The report is an examination of the expanding powers found within three key pieces of the Australian legislation that affect people seeking asylum. These are: the Migration Act, the ASIO Act and the Maritime Powers Act.
read moreSubmissions to the proposed citizenship changes
In this submission to the Department of Immigration, RCOA expresses its deep concern at the changes to the test and requirements for Australian citizenship proposed in the Discussion Paper published on 20 April. The inclusive nature of Australian citizenship is a crucial element in the success of our multicultural society. Gaining citizenship should be an enabling, positive and welcoming process for applicants and one which is seen to contribute to building a cohesive and dynamic nation.
read moreAbuse, self-harm and neglect on Manus and Nauru: Senate Inquiry Report 2017
The Australian Senate has conducted an inquiry into 'serious allegations of abuse, self-harm and neglect' of people seeking asylum at Nauru and Manus regional processing centres (RPCs). The Senate inquiry…
Fast-tracking decisions
This table lists decisions by federal courts relating to the new system of refugee status determination for people who came by boat, known as 'fast tracking'.
read moreSnapshot of refugee and asylum policy: Human Rights Commission reports
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has released a second edition of its snapshot report on asylum seekers, refugees and human rights. The report provides a useful short summary of many concerns raised by current Australian refugee and asylum policy, including offshore processing and indefinite detention.
read moreHumanitarian arrivals: A spatial analysis of population distribution and health service needs
This study maps the location of humanitarian arrivals in Melbourne and the challenges to their access to health services.
read moreBuilding a New Life in Australia
The Building a New Life in Australia study traces the settlement journey of humanitarian entrants in Australia.
read moreIdentifying and addressing vulnerability: a new tool
UNHCR and the International Detention Coalition have produced the Vulnerability Screening Tool, a resource designed to identify situations of vulnerability in the context of asylum and migration procedures and systems.
read moreResettlement fraud: Background and resources
When people are in great need and when resettlement places are scarce and processes are complex and protracted, those seeking resettlement may be vulnerable to fraud, corruption and exploitation. We are seeking information from people about any experiences they have with this.
read moreTamils still at risk, UN Special Rapporteur warns international community
The UN Speciall Rapporteur on Torture has published a damning report on his visit to Sri Lanka in 2016. The report urges States not to return people to persecution to Sri Lanka, particularly Tamils.
read moreImproving access to disability support for refugees and humanitarian entrants
There is an urgent need for early intervention and for disability support on arrival for those who are resettled in Australia. A recent report by Diversitat outlines the main barriers to accessing NDIS support faced by humanitarian entrants with disabilities.
read moreIOM calls for change to health care for irregular migrants in Europe
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has published a detailed report on access to health care for irregular migrants in the European Union (EU). The report reveals an urgent need to improve health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable groups in the EU. It makes recommendations to immediately expand universal health coverage.
read moreCancelling visas on ‘character’ grounds: The Ombudsman reports
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has published a report investigating the administration of the process of visa cancellations as a result of the Migration Amendment (Character and General Visa Cancellation) Act passed in 2014. The change in the law required the Minister to cancel visas automatically in certain circumstances.
read moreThe Department of Social Services’ Annual Report 2015-2016
The Department of Social Services' annual report for 2015-2016 provides information about the settlement services for people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds.
read moreCancelling bridging visas because of criminal charges: the Ombudsman’s damning report
The Ombudsman has published a damning report on the cancellation of bridging visas on criminal charges. The report reveals that the practice is fundamentally at odds with the presumption of innocence, and that the Department's mismanagement leads to prolonged and indefinite detention.
read moreUnauthorised $2.2bn spent on offshore detention centres: flaws in the immigration department
The Australian government’s independent auditor has delivered a scathing review condemning the Department of Immigration and Border Protection for spending an unauthorised $2.2bn on its offshore detention programs.
read moreHuman Rights Watch condemns Australian detention policy: 2017 Report
The 27th annual Human Rights Watch Global Report highlights the violence, depression and hopelessness experienced by refugees and people seeking asylum on Manus Island and Nauru.
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