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                    UN Criticizes Australian Refugee Policy

   by Phil Mercer

   Australia's refugee policies have been condemned by the United Nation's
   main human rights body.  The criticism comes as officials say violent
   disturbances at a center for migrants on Christmas Island are being
   contained.

   Australia automatically detains asylum seekers who arrive in the
   country without visas. Hundreds of detainees are sent for processing to
   offshore camps in the South Pacific in Papua New Guinea and Nauru.

   At a hearing in Geneva, more than 100 countries have spoken out against
   Australia's refugee policies.  Many have called for Canberra to scrap
   the detention of children and offshore processing.

   U.S. representative Divya Khosla said Australia must ensure that
   detainees are treated fairly.

   "We encourage Australia to ensure humane treatment and respect for the
   human rights of asylum seekers, including those processed offshore in
   Papua New Guinea and Nauru," said Kholsa.

   But Australian official Steve McGlynn told the hearing that the
   policies had prevented asylum seekers from risking their lives at sea
   by trying to reach Australia by boat, and put pressure on people
   trafficking syndicates.

   ''

   "Australia's border policies have been successful in severely damaging
   the insidious people smuggling trade, and by extension have saved
   countless lives at sea.  The ensuing substantial and sustained
   reduction in maritime ventures as a result of Australia's managed
   approach to migration has resulted in Australia being able to settle
   more refugees for our humanitarian programs," said McGlynn.

   At the Christmas Island detention center, authorities say disturbances
   that broke out Sunday have ended.

   They were sparked when a Kurdish-Iranian inmate who had escaped the
   camp was found dead outside.  Inmates lit fires and barricaded
   themselves in a compound with weapons.  Officials say that calm has
   been restored following negotiations with detainees.

   Christmas Island is located about 2,500 kilometers north-west of the
   Australian city of Perth and 380 kilometers south of the Indonesian
   island of Java.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/un-criticizes-australian-refugee-poli
   cy/3051267.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/un-criticizes-australian-refugee-policy/3051267.html