Australian Human Rights Commission Submission to the CEDAW Committee – 12 June 2018 Recommendation 15: That the Australian Government: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the development of all policies and services that affect them, consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Establish national justice targets, including specifically relating to Indigenous women, and adequate services, to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system. Ensure appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children and their families to reduce high rates of contact with the child protection system. Work with state and territory governments to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, particularly as they relate to child protection issues. Recommendation 16: That the Australian Government reform the Cashless Debit Card model to a voluntary, opt-in welfare income management measure, which is community-led. Recommendation 17: That the Australian Government reform the Community Development Programme to reflect a human rights based, community-led, wage-based model. 11 Immigration and citizenship (LOI 22, CEDAW article 16) 48. The Commission has concerns about a range of immigration policies that can lead to prolonged family separation, with detrimental impacts on (often vulnerable) women and children.72 49. Numerous reports and inquiries have consistently documented concerns about living conditions for people subject to third country processing in Nauru.73 There have been several incidents in which people (including women) have reportedly been physically attacked or sexually assaulted.74 Recommendation 18: That the Australian Government implement specific measures to avoid family separation resulting from immigration policies. Recommendation 19: That the Australian Government ensure that the human rights of people subject to third country processing are adequately protected. 11