Australian Red Cross, through its Immigration Detention Program, has been visiting immigration detention facilities under formal and informal arrangements with federal governments since 1993. Red Cross' Humanitarian Observers assess and monitor the general conditions of detention as well as the treatment of people held in the detention network - people who are some of the most vulnerable in our society.
Red Cross currently visits all immigration detention facilities on a regular basis including those based in Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin, Perth, Brisbane and Christmas Island. Red Cross will also be visiting the newly opened detention facilities in Leonora and the Curtin Immigration Detention Centre.
Red Cross has an independent humanitarian observer role in immigration detention facilities which has recently been formalised through an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government. The Memorandum of Understanding formalises arrangements for Red Cross to visit all immigration detention facilities and provides a framework for communication between Red Cross and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Red Cross' Immigration Detention Program is funded entirely by Red Cross' funds, which ensures the independence and integrity of the program.
Red Cross engages in confidential dialogue and advocacy with the Department of Immigration about concerns regarding the humanity, respect and dignity of people who are detained. This dialogue is undertaken at a local level between Red Cross Humanitarian Observers and DIAC and service providers' at the respective facilities. A quarterly report is provided to the Department of Immigration detailing any issues of humanitarian concern that arise from monitoring visits.
Red Cross plays no part in the visa determination process. Humanitarian Observers are guided by Red Cross' fundamental principles, including independence, impartiality, neutrality and a focus on humanitarian needs and vulnerabilities as opposed to the policies of any particular government.
This independent observer role complements services provided by the Immigration Ombudsman and the Australian Human Rights commission.
Other activities Red Cross carries out in the centres include tracing missing family members and providing referral information for other agencies that may be able to assist where Red Cross cannot.
Useful links
Contact an immigration detention worker in your State or Territory
Department of Immigration and Citizenship