Kids in Detention: High Court says it's up to us

7 October 2004

A unanimous decision by the High Court that detention of children was lawful does not mean that it is just or fair, said Mr Howard Glenn, National Director of human rights advocacy group, A Just Australia.

"The decision by the High Court is another nail in the coffin of this myth that lawyers or courts will save Australians from a charge of inhumanity," Mr Glenn said.

"It's been clear for sometime that there are no real protections of basic human rights in Australia - and the long term detention of innocent children is unarguable proof of this.

"If we want ethical and just standards of behaviour from our Government, we have to vote for it. It is heartening that over 300 candidates for election have signed a written guarantee that they will work for the release of all children from immigration detention and a change of policy for the long term.

"Candidates that we believe should be supported on this basis can be viewed at our special election website at www.refugeeguarantee.com.au

"Whatever the result on Saturday, we will be continuing the campaign for a just Australia - this time we hope with a large number of MPs who have pledged to do what the courts can not - repeal these unjust laws, Mr Glenn said.