Detention

I am in immigration detention in Australia. Can UNHCR assist me?

As part of UNHCR’s mandate for the protection of asylum-seekers, refugees and stateless persons, UNHCR regularly monitors places of detention and speaks to persons in held detention.

Where appropriate, UNHCR will seek to raise concerns with the Government of Australia regarding the detention of persons under its mandate. The Australian Government is solely responsible for issuing visas and releasing persons from detention.  

If you are an asylum-seeker, refugee or stateless person in detention in Australia, you can contact us via telephone on (02) 6281 9100 or email: [email protected] 

Free legal advice and assistance

UNHCR would encourage asylum-seekers, refugees and stateless persons to seek the assistance of a legal representative regarding their detention. You can find a list of free legal service providers by visiting UNHCR’s free legal help page.

Mental health support services

Detention, especially for protracted periods of time, can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. A list of free counselling services for persons in detention can be accessed by visiting the following UNHCR webpage.

How can I complain?

If you would like to lodge a complaint to Australian authorities regarding detention conditions, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission or the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Australian Human Rights Commission

  • Phone: 1300 656 419 (local call) or (02) 9284 9888
  • TTY: 1800 620 241 (toll free)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • More information on how to make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission can be found here.

Commonwealth Ombudsman

  • Phone: 1300 362 072 (calls from mobile phones at mobile phone rates)
  • SMS: 0413 266 662 (standard carrier rates apply)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • More information on how to make a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman can be found here.

Complaints to UN bodies

Making a complaint to a UN treaty-based body

Individual complaints can be lodged for alleged violation of human rights under the following human rights treaties:

  • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
  • Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
  • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Further information on how to make a complaint to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights can be found at: Human Rights Bodies—Complaints Procedures

Complaints (preferably using the model complaint form) or inquiries can be sent to: [email protected] or by mail addressed to:

Petitions and Inquiries Section
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Office at Geneva
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

Making a complaint to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

Information regarding the complaint procedure for alleged arbitrary detention can be found at: https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/wg-arbitrary-detention/complaints-and-urgent-appeals

Individual Communications can be submitted (preferably by email) to: [email protected] or by mail addressed to:

Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

United Nations Office at Geneva

8-14 Avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneve 10, Switzerland

Urgent appeals (where there is a serious danger to a person’s health or life) should be sent to [email protected] and [email protected].

Making a complaint to the UN Human Rights Council

Eligibility and FAQ can be found at: Human Rights Council Complaint Procedure | OHCHR

Individual communications related to a violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms may be submitted by email to: [email protected] or by mail addressed to:

Complaint Procedure Unit
Human Rights Council Branch
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Office at Geneva
CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland


Related Information

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