Abstract

Almost six years on from the introduction of the Pacific Solution, the commitment of Australia’s federal government to the regime of offshore processing of asylum seekers appears undiminished. The offshore processing regime has damaged Australia’s international standing and has cost its taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. But its highest cost has been in human terms. This article examines the evolution of Australia’s offshore processing regime with reference to its objectives, its consequences and its ramifications for Australia’s performance of its human rights obligations under international law.