VIC:Human rights body intervenes in High Court

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2011
VIC:Human rights body intervenes in High Court

Australia's human rights watchdog will join a High Court battle to stop the federal
government sending asylum seekers to Malaysia.

The government's controversial people-swap deal was put on hold last week after refugee
lawyers convinced the High Court to order an injunction against the first deportations
of 16 asylum seekers.

In a directions hearing at the High Court in Melbourne today, the Australian Human
Rights Commission indicated it would be making submissions on behalf of unaccompanied
minors.

The hearing was also told that Immigration Minister CHRIS BOWEN had signed an affidavit
yesterday.

The full bench of the High Court is expected to begin hearing arguments on August 22,
before making a ruling about whether the government's proposal to send asylum seekers
to Malaysia is lawful.

AAP RTV md/gfr/sw

KEYWORD: BOAT MANNE (MELBOURNE)

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