Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 1

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

18 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position of refugees and asylum seekers being held in Australia; and if he has raised this issue with the Australian authorities or at the UN Security Council. [3744/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

I have noted the concerns of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in relation to the Australian Government's policy of detaining asylum seekers and more especially in relation to prolonged detentions and the detention of minors. I am conscious that the policy guidelines of the UNHCR's executive committee, of which Australia is a member, state that the detention of asylum seekers, especially children, is inherently undesirable. I call upon the Government of Australia to act upon the recommendations of the UNHCR.

I would urge all states to uphold their obligations under international covenants to which they are party, including the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

In regard to raising the issue at the UN Security Council, the primary responsibility of the council is the maintenance of international peace and security. This includes seeking the peaceful settlement of regional crises and conflicts throughout the world. Issues relating to refugees are more appropriately considered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the executive committee of the UNHCR, which has a specific role and expertise in this area.