Full Text of Press Release:

Amnesty International is extremely concerned by reports that 83 Sri Lankan men may be returned to their country without having their claims for asylum assessed.

As a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Australia must allow these men to seek asylum and be processed in accordance with Australian law.
Current reports suggest that the Australian Government is making arrangements with Indonesian authorities to have the men returned to Indonesia and then on to Sri Lanka.

This is despite recent reports from the UNHCR highlighting the deteriorating human rights situation in Sri Lanka, and calls for governments not to send asylum seekers back at this time.

“Amnesty International is appalled by the prospect that the asylum seekers appear to be faced with a situation potentially worse than remote and indefinite detention,” says Refugee Coordinator Graham Thom.

The new Immigration Minister, Kevin Andrews has stated that the Australian Government will not breach its international obligations.
However, returning people to a place where they face potential human rights abuses is a clear breach of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

“Until the claims of each individual are properly heard it cannot be known whether or not the men would face human rights violations in Sri Lanka. A complete and fair process of assessment must be carried out before Australia can be sure that it not breaching its international obligations,” says Graham.

The Australian Government announced on Friday 23 February they had intercepted a boat carrying 83 Sri Lankan men traveling from Indonesia.
The refugees are currently being detained on Christmas Island. They do not have full access to Australian legal processes or representation, the Australian community, media or refugee advocates.

Amnesty International Australia calls for the asylum seekers to be given prompt access to a fair decision making process. This should include administrative and judicial review as well as access to independent advice and support.