The Honorable Philip Ruddock
Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Your Excellency:

I am writing to express my concern for refugee children whose families are seeking asylum in Australia.

I was very pleased to learn of recent reductions in the average length of time asylum seekers spend in detention. However, it is my understanding that those who appeal against an initial rejection are effectively penalized by prolonged detention and limited contact with the outside world. Because this detention can last for years, it clearly has significant impact on a child.

The 1989 U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Australia ratified in 1990, states that the imprisonment of a child should be in conformity with the law and should only be used as a measure of last resort for the shortest period of time and with the most humane treatment. It also obliges states to take special care in dealing with refugee children.

Of the 2,854 "boat people" who arrived in Australia between 1989 and June 1997, 763 children and 75 babies born in detention centers spent up to four years behind barbed wire fences in obvious violation of international standards. Once released, these people are not eligible for income support or social security assistance, creating further difficulties for refugee children.

I urge you to use your influence to ensure that no refugee children are detained in your country in contravention of international standards. It is particularly important to resort to detention only where it is in the best interests of the child as stated in The Convention on the Rights of the Child. I further urge you to do what you can to allow periodic reviews of continued detention of children seeking refugee protection, in conformity with The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Respectfully yours,