UN watchdog says Australia violated asylum seekers’ rights

In 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Committee concluded that Australia violated the rights of asylum seekers who were held on the island of Nauru. The committee found that this violation stemmed from Australia’s hardline immigration policies, which began over a decade ago, leading to the offshore detention of asylum seekers who arrived by boat. A significant case involved a group of 24 unaccompanied minors from multiple countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, who suffered severe conditions during their detention, including a lack of proper healthcare and water supply. Additionally, another case focused on an Iranian refugee who was recognized as such but remained detained without justification even after she was granted refugee status by Nauru. The committee stated that Australia could not avoid human rights responsibilities related to its control over Nauru’s processing center, demanding compensation for the victims of arbitrary detention and mental health deterioration. The ruling serves as a warning to other nations considering similar outsourcing arrangements for asylum processing while reiterating that these offshore facilities do not escape human rights obligations. Although Australia claims that its policies are popular with the electorate and ensure dignity for those detained, the UN committee's findings highlight a stark contrast and call for accountability in handling vulnerable migrants.