Mental distress and human rights of asylum seekers

Article


Campbell, Emma Jean and Steel, Emily Jean. 2015. "Mental distress and human rights of asylum seekers." Journal of Public Mental Health. 14 (2), pp. 43-55. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-06-2013-0040
Article Title

Mental distress and human rights of asylum seekers

ERA Journal ID40145
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsCampbell, Emma Jean (Author) and Steel, Emily Jean (Author)
Journal TitleJournal of Public Mental Health
Journal of Public Mental Health: the art, science and politics of creating a mentally healthy society
Journal Citation14 (2), pp. 43-55
Number of Pages14
Year2015
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN1475-9535
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.

Keywordswellbeing, policy, asylum seekers, human rights, mental health
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020489999. 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 AffiliationsUniversity of Queensland
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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