A psychological and human rights audit of asylum policy – can harm be avoided?

This paper discusses the tension between the psychological needs of asylum seekers and the legal and policy framework which they enter when arriving in Australia, with a particular emphasis on detention policy. The... [ view full abstract ]

This paper discusses the tension between the psychological needs of asylum seekers and the legal and policy framework which they enter when arriving in Australia, with a particular emphasis on detention policy. The presentation attempts to ‘audit’ detention and RSD law, policy and practice and proposes a framework for the reception of asylum seekers which is compatible with both protecting them from psychological harm and the need to resolve identity and security issues. Studies of detained populations have identified a range of practices that appear to be harmful to mental health. A question asked is the extent to which demonstrably harmful policies are necessary to achieve the legitimate border control objectives which detention is said to advance.