11 December 2008
Professor Chris Goddard, director of Child Abuse Prevention Research Australia at Monash University has been recognised by the Human Rights Commission for research into Australia's immigration and detention processes.
Professor Goddard, together with Linda Briskman and Susie Latham both of Curtin University, authored the book Human Rights Overboard: Seeking Asylum in Australia which received the Commission's Literature Non-Fiction Award for 2008.
In receiving the award, Professor Goddard said the book had been difficult to write and research because the stories were filled with emotion.
"It's a bittersweet award. To win something for describing the pain and suffering of so many is really a mixed achievement. We can only hope that by highlighting the appalling treatment of children we hope that it won't occur again," Professor Goddard said.
"Our research is continuing and we will continue to play a monitoring role. We have called for a Royal Commission and we are asking the Federal Government to restore human rights and accountability to the system."
The book evolved from the citizen's inquiry established in 2005 to hear first hand accounts of Australia's immigration-detention facilities in the wake of the Cornelia Rau scandal. The inquiry heard heartbreaking evidence about asylum-seekers' journeys to Australia, their refugee determination process, and their life in and after detention. In total, around 200 people testified to the inquiry, and a similar number of written submissions were received.
Human Rights Overboard draws together, for the first time, the oral testimony and written submissions from the inquiry in a powerful and vital book that stands as an indictment of Australia's refugee policy.
President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Hon. Catherine Branson QC said the human rights awards presented an opportunity to recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations whose work and activities have shown extraordinary commitment to issues of human rights, social justice and equality.
"I congratulate all of the entries for their tireless and often unrecognised work, in promoting human rights and helping people to overcome discrimination in our country everyday," Ms Branson said.
Professor Chris Goddard is the director of Child Abuse Prevention Research Australia, Monash University. Recognition of Chris Goddard's accomplishments includes a 2005 nomination for the UN Human Rights Award for journalism. He is the author of several books including, The Truth Is Longer Than a Lie and In The Firing Line.
For more information contact Samantha Blair, Media and Communications +61 3 9903 4841.
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