The Wire

The United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) has suspended a visit to Australia after being barred entry to correctional facilities in New South Wales and mental health wards in Queensland.

As a signatory to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, Australia is obliged to allow UN delegates unannounced and unhindered visits to its prisons.

The head of the four person delegation, Aisha Shujune Muhammad, has accused Australia of being in “clear breach” of its obligations, noting the SPT’s decision to suspend its visit was not taken likely.