Ethical challenges for doctors working in immigration detention

Levy, Michael H; Dobson, Corinne; Watchirs, Helen; Howie, Emily

doi:10.5694/mja14.01470

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To the Editor: We applaud the professional stance taken by Sanggaran and colleagues in highlighting the ethical challenges for medical practitioners working in Australia's immigration detention centres,1 and extend our support to other clinicians and custodial officers who carry out their duties with respect, care and consideration for human rights.

1 Justice Health Services, ACT Health, Canberra, ACT.
2 Australian Medical Association, Canberra, ACT.
3 ACT Human Rights Commission, Canberra, ACT.
4 Human Rights Law Centre, Melbourne, VIC.

Correspondence: michael.levy@act.gov.au

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

1. Sanggaran J-P, Ferguson GM, Haire BG. Ethical challenges for doctors working in immigration detention. Med J Aust 2014; 201: 377-378. <MJA full text>
2. United Nations General Assembly. Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Adopted December 2002. http://www.ohchr.org/en/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/OPCAT.aspx (accessed Oct 2014).
3. Joint Standing Committee on Treaties. Report 125. Treaties tabled on 21 June 2012. Canberra: Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, 2012. http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/28february2012/report.htm (accessed Dec 2014).
4. Association for the Prevention of Torture. OPCAT Database. http://www.apt.ch/en/opcat-database (accessed Oct 2014).

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