As part of UNHCR\u2019s mandate for the protection of asylum-seekers, refugees and stateless persons, UNHCR regularly monitors places of detention and speaks to persons in held detention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are an asylum-seeker, refugee or stateless person in detention in Australia, you can contact us via email: aulca@unhcr.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s free legal help page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Detention, especially for protracted periods of time, can have a significant impact on an individual\u2019s mental health. A list of free counselling services for persons in detention can be accessed by visiting the following UNHCR webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like to lodge a complaint to Australian authorities regarding detention conditions<\/strong>, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission or the Commonwealth Ombudsman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australian Human Rights Commission<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Commonwealth Ombudsman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Making a complaint to a UN treaty-based body<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Individual complaints can be lodged for alleged violation of human rights under the following human rights treaties<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014Complaints Procedures<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Complaints (preferably using the model complaint form<\/a>) or inquiries can be sent to: petitions@ohchr.org<\/a> or by mail addressed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Petitions and Inquiries Section Making a complaint to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Individual Communications can be submitted (preferably by email) to: hrc-wg-ad@un.org<\/a> or by mail addressed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working Group on Arbitrary Detention<\/p>\n\n\n\n Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights<\/p>\n\n\n\n United Nations Office at Geneva<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8-14 Avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneve 10, Switzerland<\/p>\n\n\n\n Urgent appeals (where there is a serious danger to a person\u2019s health or life) should be sent to ohchr-wgad@un.org<\/a> and urgent-action@ohchr.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Making a complaint to the UN Human Rights Council<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eligibility and FAQ can be found at: Human Rights Council Complaint Procedure | OHCHR<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFree legal advice and assistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mental health support services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How can I complain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Complaints to UN bodies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations Office at Geneva
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland<\/p>\n\n\n\n