Remaining Asylum Decisions Handed Down on Christmas Island
Media Release - DPS 96/2002
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs confirmed today that the final group of detainees at the Christmas Island Reception Centre has now received outcomes on the review of their initial assessments on their asylum claims.
On Saturday, 7 December 2002, 11 Afghan detainees and 11 of the 26 Sri Lankan detainees received unfavourable review assessments.
Due to the disturbance at the facility on Saturday night, the remaining group of 15 Sri Lankans received their review assessments yesterday.
A detainee from Bangladesh had previously been assessed as not prima facie engaging Australia's protection obligations.
All detainees currently on Christmas Island have now received the outcome of both their initial and review assessments on their claims for refugee status.
Asylum seekers on Christmas Island have been provided with detailed information sessions covering the assessment process and the implications of the decisions.
All those found not to be refugees exercised the right to appeal their initial assessment and requested a review of the refugee status assessment made on their claims. Following a thorough review and reassessment of claims, an assessment was again made as to whether individuals fulfilled the criteria under the Refugees Convention.
Under the Refugees Convention, refugee status is conferred where there is a current or foreseeable need for protection.
All people who are not in need of protection will be expected to return to their country of origin as soon as circumstances permit.
10 December 2002
Media inquiries: Public Affairs (02) 6264 2244