Page 29 - Optional Protocol News Today

The UN says Australia was in ‘clear breach’ of its obligations under a UN protocol on torture.

The United Nations Sub-committee on the Prevention of Torture had only just begun its long-awaited visit to check on detainees in Australia when it suddenly cancelled the visit. Paul Gregoire reports on the obstruction it faced while attempting to carry out its mandate.

The United Nations suspends its anti-torture mission to Australia after inspectors were barred from several jails.

UN prison inspectors say they were denied access to state facilities

In what human rights groups have called an ""international embarrassment"", the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture said it had no option but to suspend its visit, saying lack of access to detention facilities in NSW was ""a clear breach by Australia of its obligations"".

United Nations inspectors have returned home to New York after unsuccessful attempts to inspect NSW prisons. They say the states refusal to cooperate is a clear breach of its obligations.

UN torture prevention body suspends trip

Prison inspectors from the United Nations were refused entry to inspect Queanbeyan Court Cells in Canberra this week, with the NSW government citing issues over a funding agreement with the federal government and the surprise nature of the visits. The visit was part of Australia’s commitment to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture which was ratified by the Coalition government in 2017. “The United Nations decided they can’t be bothered with China and Iran and Venezuela...

New South Wales and Queensland have blocked access to some facilities with NSW corrections minister saying people can’t just ‘wander through at their leisure’

Australian officials have been accused of obstructing an official visit by a United Nations body that works to prevent torture.