OUR MISSION
Support and Advice
AWADA members know how it feels to be wrongfully detained abroad, or to support someone who is.
We understand that many families feel bewildered, frustrated and isolated and are often at a loss as to what to do, or how to respond, when their loved one is taken.
Many expect swift and robust action from the government to bring the detained person home, and are unsure what to do if such a result does not materialise.
Many receive confusing and conflicting information about the utility of ‘quiet diplomacy’ versus a public campaign, and are unsure about how to engage with stakeholders including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in-country or Australia-based lawyers, public relations and media professionals or even private hostage-recovery teams.
Most families of current detainees find it useful to speak with other families going through similar experiences, or with former detainees who can offer insights from their time incarcerated abroad.
AWADA was created with this in mind. We aim to offer support to current Australian families navigating the wrongful or arbitrary detention of a loved one, whether or not their predicament is publicly known.
we Can Help
AWADA primarily acts as a hub for connecting families with assistance for consular, legal, media and/or wellbeing-related matters, as well as providing a crucial outlet for swapping stories, learned wisdom, tips and advice for those going through the difficult experience of supporting a loved one detained abroad.
If you are running a public campaign we can help with media and other public engagement activities. If you prefer to keep your loved one’s predicament out of the spotlight we respect this choice and will endeavour to connect you with useful people who may be able to assist behind-the-scenes.
As a new organisation we are still building our capacities. We are in the process of developing a formal network of pro bono, Australia-based legal and PR professionals who can provide free and impartial advice on how best to advocate for your loved one. This will include exploring the detained person’s options under international and domestic law, and providing advice about how to use the media to campaign for their release without antagonising their captors or complicating the Australian government’s diplomatic efforts. Watch this space!
POLITICAL ADVOCACY
One of AWADA’s core aims is to advocate for policy reform and legislative change around Australia’s response to the wrongful and arbitrary detention of its citizens.
In line with international best practice, we believe considerable scope exists to improve Australia’s current management of cases.
We also believe that justice and accountability for victims should form part of the government’s efforts to disincentivise the practice.
our advocacy objectives include:
To provide advice and support to the families of current Australian detainees
To raise awareness about the phenomena of arbitrary detention and ‘hostage diplomacy, including campaigning for current cases
To advocate for meaningful policy reform via:
The establishment of a role or office tasked with responsibility for determining and managing wrongful and arbitrary detention cases, modelled on that of the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) or the Canadian Senior Official for Hostage Affairs (SOHA).
An act of legislation similar to the US Levinson Act or proposed Canadian ‘Foreign Hostage Takers Accountability Act.’
The application of autonomous Magnitsky sanctions to individuals known to be complicit in the hostage-taking of Australian citizens abroad.
What We Don’t Do
We appreciate that, when dealing with the often opaque and confusing legal systems of foreign countries, it may be difficult at times to determine when somebody is wrongfully detained. Broadly speaking, we don’t seek to act for Australians who have been detained abroad for committing a crime, unless that ‘crime’ is inherently political in nature (for example, advocating for democracy or women’s rights) or is not considered an offence under Australian law (for example, having an extra-marital relationship).
We are happy to offer advice and assistance concerning any Australian or New Zealand citizen wrongfully or arbitrarily detained abroad, including dual nationals, as well as anyone who has been imprisoned abroad as a result of their residence in, or connections to, Australia.