Effective Access for Immigration Detention Monitoring

For the years 2016 – 2019, the Australian Government and the Australian Red Cross hereby pledge:

• To continue to provide Australian Red Cross, in circumstances agreed to between the Australian Government and ARC, access to all persons held in immigration detention in Australia, in order to deliver appropriate humanitarian support and services, including Restoring Family Links.
• To encourage, as appropriate, access by National Societies to people held in immigration detention in order to deliver appropriate humanitarian support and services, including Restoring Family Links.
• To engage in regular and effective dialogue regarding issues of humanitarian concern arising from detention monitoring visits and to consider Australian Red Cross advice and draw on the expertise of Australian Red Cross, as appropriate, when formulating and reviewing policies and procedures regarding persons held in immigration detention.

Action plan

• The Australian Government to continue to provide Australian Red Cross, in circumstances agreed to between the Australian Government and Australian Red Cross, access to persons held in immigration detention in Australia, including in Alternative Places of Detention under the control of the Australian Government.

• Consider revisions to the existing MOU on access to extend its application to Alternative Places of Detention.

• Hold regular meetings to discuss issues of humanitarian concern arising from detention monitoring visits and to consult on policies and procedures.