Mental distress and human rights of asylum seekers
Article
Article Title | Mental distress and human rights of asylum seekers |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 40145 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Campbell, Emma Jean (Author) and Steel, Emily Jean (Author) |
Journal Title | Journal of Public Mental Health |
Journal of Public Mental Health: the art, science and politics of creating a mentally healthy society | |
Journal Citation | 14 (2), pp. 43-55 |
Number of Pages | 14 |
Year | 2015 |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 1475-9535 |
1746-5729 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-06-2013-0040 |
Web Address (URL) | http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/JPMH-06-2013-0040 |
Abstract | Purpose This paper studies the experiences of asylum seekers in Australia. It aims to explore the relationship between mental wellbeing, living conditions, and Australia’s detention policies in light of human rights. Design/methodology/approach Using grounded theory, data was collected via observations, semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, and document analysis. Participants included seven asylum seekers and three professionals working with them. Findings In light of a human rights framework, this paper reports on the mental distress suffered by asylum seekers in detention, the environments of constraint in which they live, and aspects of detention centre policy that contribute to these environments. The findings highlight a discrepancy between asylum seekers’ experiences under immigration detention policy and and Australia’s human rights obligations. Research limitations/implications This research indicates human rights violations for asylum seekers in detention in Australia. This research project involved a small number of participants and recommends systemic review of the policy and practices that affect asylum seekers’ mental health including larger numbers of participants. Consideration is made of alternatives to detention as well as improving detention centre conditions. The World Health Organization’s Quality Rights Tool Kit might provide the basis for a framework to review Australia’s immigration detention system with particular focus on the poor mental wellbeing of asylum seekers in detention. Originality/value This study links international human rights law and Australian immigration detention policies and practices with daily life experiences of suffering mental distress within environments of constraint and isolation. It identifies asylum seekers as a vulnerable population with respect to human rights and mental wellbeing. Of particular value is the inclusion of asylum seekers themselves in interviews. |
Keywords | wellbeing, policy, asylum seekers, human rights, mental health |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 489999. Other law and legal studies not elsewhere classified |
440802. Citizenship | |
420313. Mental health services | |
Public Notes | File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Queensland |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q48vx/mental-distress-and-human-rights-of-asylum-seekers
768
total views12
total downloads0
views this month0
downloads this month