{"id":267247,"date":"2020-09-01T06:28:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T10:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=267247"},"modified":"2020-09-01T06:28:00","modified_gmt":"2020-09-01T10:28:00","slug":"banning-mobile-phones-in-immigration-detention-would-make-an-inhumane-system-even-crueler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/09\/01\/banning-mobile-phones-in-immigration-detention-would-make-an-inhumane-system-even-crueler\/","title":{"rendered":"Banning mobile phones in immigration detention would make an inhumane system even crueler"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The government claims some detainees are using mobile devices to organise criminal activities, and intimidate staff and other detainees. (Pexels photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mobile phones are a lifeline<\/a> for those in immigration detention. But if the government has its way, this thread will soon be cut.<\/p>\n

A proposed bill<\/a> would allow the minister to deem mobile phones and other internet-capable devices \u201cprohibited items\u201d. It would also grant staff new powers to search detainees without a warrant and allow strip searches and detector dogs within the centres.<\/p>\n

Detainees\u2019 friends and family members would also be targeted via expanded powers to screen and search visitors.<\/p>\n

The bill is expected to be voted on in parliament this week. The crucial vote will likely be in the Senate, where the government is trying to sway<\/a> key vote Jacqui Lambie to its side.<\/p>\n

The purported purpose<\/a> of the bill is to ensure that the department can provide a safe and secure environment for staff, detainees and visitors in an immigration detention facility.<\/p>\n

The government claims<\/a> some detainees are using mobile devices to organise criminal activities, and intimidate staff and other detainees.<\/p>\n

Yet, the greatest risk to detainees and their loved ones comes not from mobile phones, but from the isolation and trauma of our immigration detention system.<\/p>\n

A 2019 report<\/a> by the Australian Human Rights Commission found only a minority of detainees use mobile phones inappropriately. In contrast, rates of self-harm in Australia\u2019s immigration detention system are 200 times higher<\/a> than in the Australian community.<\/p>\n

This bill would only make things worse.<\/p>\n

The current situation in detention<\/h2>\n

In theory, immigration detention in Australia is not meant to be punitive<\/a>. Yet, my research<\/a> shows the logic of \u201cdeterrence\u201d infuses all aspects of detention centre life.<\/p>\n

Detainees are subject to constant surveillance and frequent room checks. Dorm-style sleeping arrangements afford minimal privacy. Recreational activities are limited and regular changes to internal rules breed instability.<\/p>\n

The excessive use of force<\/a> is also a concern. Just this month, the Commonwealth ombudsman cautioned<\/a>,<\/p>\n

there appears to be an increasing tendency across the immigration detention network for force to be used to resolve conflict or non-compliant behaviour as the first rather than last choice.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Detainees are rarely permitted to leave their places of detention. Some detainees \u2014 including refugees brought to Australia from Papua New Guinea or Nauru<\/a> for emergency medical care<\/a> under the now-repealed Medevac law<\/a> \u2014 have been in detention for over seven years.<\/p>\n

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\nRead more:
\nThe evidence is clear: the medevac law saves lives. But even this isn’t enough to alleviate refugee suffering<\/a>
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Existing barriers to maintaining relationships<\/h2>\n

In this context, connections with friends, family members, medical professionals and legal representatives are vital. But maintaining communications is far from easy.<\/p>\n

Where spontaneous visits were once permitted, loved ones must now apply to visit detention<\/a> at least one week in advance. Longer application times apply for group visits. The online application<\/a> is prohibitively complicated for those with poor digital literacy or limited English-language capabilities.<\/p>\n

At times, visiting room capacity limits cause applications to be rejected, meaning detainees can go weeks without seeing loved ones. During COVID-19, visits have been cancelled<\/a> altogether.<\/p>\n

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\nRead more:
\n‘People are crying and begging’: the human cost of forced relocations in immigration detention<\/a>
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When applications are approved, visitors must submit to screening, x-rays and drug scanning<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are also strict rules on the admission of food and gifts. Where visitors could once bring items like birthday cakes, fresh fruit, children\u2019s toys and board games to their visits to create a warmer atmosphere, these items are now banned or require special approval. Guards supervise all interactions.<\/p>\n

The regular relocation of detainees between detention facilities<\/a> also compounds their feelings of isolation. Forced transfers \u2014 including those currently underway as part of the reopening of the Christmas Island immigration detention centre<\/a> \u2014 further separate detainees from their loved ones, with devastating consequences.<\/p>\n

The importance of mobile phones<\/h2>\n

Mobile phones are an imperfect solution to these challenges. They help detainees maintain their relationships and mental health when other lines of communication are severed.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, they are the only way detainees can speak to their children<\/a> or families.<\/p>\n

Mobile phones serve myriad functions for detainees, including allowing them to<\/p>\n