Culture of abuse is a breach of Victorian Human Rights Charter

23/11/2007

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is alarmed at the revelations of prisoner abuse at the Melbourne Custody Centre and warns of a breach of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

Commission Chief Executive Officer, Dr Helen Szoke, supported the State Ombudsman’s recommendations for a comprehensive review of the centre and its supervision by Victoria Police.

“It is absolutely unacceptable to mistreat people in this way – we are appalled at the beating shown on CCTV,” she said.

“As an isolated incident this is bad enough but what is particularly alarming is that the Ombudsman has found it is apparently indicative of a culture of abuse at the Melbourne Custody Centre.

“I would remind everyone that in relation to criminal conduct, detention is the punishment, not being beaten whilst detained.

"Human rights belong to everyone and the measure of a fair society is one where everyone is treated as a human being regardless of what they have done or how we personally feel about them.”

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities protects all Victorians from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, whether in the criminal system or otherwise. It expressly outlines the right to humane treatment when deprived of liberty.

Dr Szoke said that under the Charter, the State Government is responsible for the protection of human rights in correctional facilities.

“The government is accountable for the treatment of prisoners whether they are in state run institutions or privately run, like the Melbourne Custody Centre,” she said. “This is an obligation that cannot be contracted out of.”

From 1 January 2008, government departments and public service providers will be required to comply with the provisions of the Charter. This extends to private companies delivering services on behalf of the government.

“It is a matter of weeks before the Charter comes into full force in Victoria; the government and public authorities should be fully prepared for its introduction,” said Dr Szoke.

Media enquiries: Slavka Scott 0419 337 732