Submission to the AHRC on Women in Immigration Detention 

The Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) made a submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission on 21 February 2024, looking into the experiences of women in immigration detention facilities, and the subsequent issues women faced when they were in community detention.

With the help of ACRT members that directly provide support to asylum seekers, we provided de-identified case studies and addressed them in our submission to outline the significant challenges faced by women in immigration detention.

•   Challenges Identified

Insufficient access to healthcare, mental health support, and distressing instances of harassment and neglect. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing these issues promptly.

•   Exacerbated Suffering

Vulnerable women, already contending with adversity, experience heightened levels of suffering within detention facilities. This demands immediate attention to restore a sense of dignity and compassion to their circumstances.

•   Mental Health Struggles

A considerable mental health crisis was identified, exacerbated by elevated stress levels and limited mental health support. The escalating risks of self-harm or suicide underscore the urgency of addressing these mental health challenges. Lack of support, access and services addressing this, caused women to be in dire situations and in isolation. 

•   Healthcare Gaps

In addition to mental health concerns, there are notable gaps in healthcare provision, particularly concerning reproductive and maternal health. Substandard living conditions within these facilities further compound the physical health challenges faced by detained women.

•   Further Challenges

Beyond health-related issues, detained women confront multifaceted challenges, including isolation, safety risks, legal uncertainty, and difficulties arising from cultural differences. These factors collectively contribute to a complex set of challenges that require careful consideration.

ACRT's Call to Action

ACRT is actively advocating for substantial changes in response to these findings. Our recommendations include improved healthcare provision, the establishment of robust reporting mechanisms for abuses, and exploration of alternative approaches to detention that align with humanitarian principles.

In Conclusion

The ACRT encouraged the Australian Human Rights Commission to conduct a thorough examination of conditions within immigration detention centres, with a specific focus on the treatment of women. Our proposed reforms, centred around enhanced healthcare, reporting mechanisms, and alternative detention strategies, are aimed at ensuring the respectful and considerate treatment of these vulnerable individuals. We appreciate your attention to this matter and believe that collective advocacy is essential for fostering positive change.

The Australian Human Rights Commissions has not yet made the submission publicly available. We ask that you check the Australian Human Rights Commission website to see the full submissions made by the ACRT, if and when they are published. https://humanrights.gov.au/ 

ACRT has offered to be part of any future consultations hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission, in addressing these concerns. 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact our Policy and Projects Officer, Oliver, via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   

	Photo: Immigration Detention Centre. Source:  AHRC
	Photo: Call for Submissions by the AHRC. Source: Victorian Refugee Health Network