Human Rights Overboard: Seeking Asylum in Australia

Front Cover
Scribe, 2008 - Social Science - 448 pages
1 Review
Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified

Drawing togetherÊfor the first time the oral testimony and written submissions from the PeopleÕs Inquiry into Detention, this powerful and vital overview stands as an indictment of AustraliaÕs refugee policy and demonstratesÊhow social work can contribute to changing public perceptions and to challenging harsh policies that violate core human rights tenets. Following the wake of the Cornelia Rau scandal, this record depicts the establishment of the PeopleÕs Inquiry, documenting the heartbreaking evidence they reviewed regarding asylum seekersÕ journeys to Australia andÊthe lives of refugeesÊduring and after theÊdetermination process and detention. Clearly and comprehensively presented, this is a haunting journey guided by voices from every side of the fenceÑformer and current immigration detainees, refugee advocates, lawyers, doctors, psychiatrists, and former detention and immigration staff. Taken together, their stories record a humanitarian disaster that sounds a warning to current and future policymakers, establishing a message that will resonate for years to come.

What people are saying - Write a review

Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified
User Review - Flag as inappropriate

This was a textbook for one of my university subjects on Human Rights. It was an easy read, yet very informative. It has enough detailed information, to be able to provide facts and statistics; yet also many personal narratives, that allow you to relate to those affected. This includes the refugees themselves; as well as workers in the detention centres, legal staff, educators etc. A must read! 

Other editions - View all

About the author (2008)

Linda Briskman is the Dr. Haruhisa Handa chair of human rights education at Curtin University. She is the author of The Black Grapevine and Social Work with Indigenous Communities. Susie Latham is a registered migration agent, a social worker, and an adjunct research associate at the Centre for Human Rights Education at Curtin University. She has volunteered at MelbourneÕs Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre and as an English tutor to refugees. Chris Goddard is the director of Child Abuse Research Australia at Monash University. He is the author of In the Firing Line and The Truth is Longer Than a Lie.

Bibliographic information