UN accuses Australia of ‘clear breach’ of human rights obligations as it suspends tour of detention facilities

The UN subcommittee on the prevention of torture says it had to take the ‘drastic measure’ of suspending its tour after it was denied entry to NSW and Queensland facilities and mental health wards. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAP

The United Nations has suspended its tour of Australian detention facilities and accused the country of a “clear breach” of its obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (Opcat).

The New South Wales government has refused inspectors entry into any facilities in the state and Queensland has blocked access to mental health wards.