Victoria
UN experts criticise blocked custody reform bills in Australia
United Nations experts have expressed disappointment after federal parliament blocked reforms on the shackling and strip-searching of women and children.
United Nations human rights experts have expressed deep disappointment after the Australian parliament blocked crucial legislation aimed at restricting the shackling and strip-searching of women and children in custody.
In a formal statement, the UN experts called on federal lawmakers to urgently progress reforms to protect vulnerable individuals within the correctional system, according to a wire report. The blocked bills sought to establish stricter national standards and limitations on the physical restraint and searching of detained women and minors.
The experts emphasised that the failure to pass these legislative reforms leaves highly vulnerable cohorts without adequate legal protections against invasive and potentially traumatising practices. While the specific details of the parliamentary debate and the political parties responsible for blocking the legislation were not immediately detailed in the statement, the UN body urged Australian leaders to reconsider their position and prioritise human rights obligations.
Advocates have long campaigned against the use of strip-searches and physical restraints on children and pregnant women in Australian detention facilities, arguing these practices contravene international human rights conventions. The UN intervention signals growing international scrutiny over Australia's treatment of incarcerated populations, particularly within youth justice and women's correctional facilities.
It remains unclear when or if the blocked legislative proposals will be reintroduced to the parliamentary floor, or if alternative bipartisan negotiations will occur to address the concerns raised by the international community.
Observers will now watch to see how the federal government and key parliamentary crossbenchers respond to the formal criticisms levelled by the United Nations representatives.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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