The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has expressed serious concern over findings from the Commonwealth National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) regarding the “soft room” at the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre. The discovery of this unregulated space, which lacks basic facilities such as a toilet, sink, and running water, raises significant issues about the living conditions for detainees.
RCOA Deputy CEO Adama Kamara stated that the existence of such a facility demonstrates a troubling disregard for the dignity and human rights of detainees.
“We find this situation unacceptable,” Kamara said. “As highlighted in the NPM report, it reflects a disturbing continuation of isolated confinement without proper oversight. The Department of Home Affairs’ claim that new guidelines are in progress does not address the fact that these rooms have been identified before, nor does it resolve concerns that the ‘soft rooms’ could be considered ‘dry cells,’ which are banned in the detention network.”
Kamara also voiced increased concerns following the recent introduction of new legislation, which could grant expanded search and seizure powers and potentially restrict access to mobile phones. This change would further limit communication at Yongah Hill, a problem already noted by the Ombudsman, and would reduce oversight of potential mistreatment, including the use of “soft rooms.”
RCOA urges the Department of Home Affairs to take immediate action to address these findings and ensure that detention conditions meet essential standards of dignity and respect.
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