In the early 2000s, Australia created a system of forcefully relocating asylum seekers to remote detention centers in Papua New Guinea and the island of Nauru. Asylum seekers are detained there until their cases are processed, which can take months or years. The goal? To deter asylum seekers from trying to immigrate to Australia.

Australia’s system of offshore asylum processing has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and the United Nations as frequent reports of abuse and neglect have emerged.

Join us for a discussion among experts who will address the causes, consequences, and future of the asylum system in Australia.

Opening Remarks:

Jack Maguire

Fellow, Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy, FIU

Panelists:

Dr. Barri Phatarfod
Founder, Doctors 4 Refugees

Dr. Maria Giannacopoulos
Senior Lecturer, Flinders University

Dr. Ryan Essex
Research Fellow, University of Greenwich

Moderator: 

Miriam Potocky
Professor, School of Social Work, FIU