Australia insists it works with UN on human rights

Attorney-General George Brandis has rejected claims the government doesn’t co-operate with the United Nations on human rights issues, after a UN migration expert postponed his Australian trip.

Francois Crepeau, UN special rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, cited lack of government co-operation and restrictive laws that prevent detention centre workers from speaking out for calling off the trip.

Senator Brandis said on Sunday, Australia was in “very regular dialogue” with UN agencies that audit member states but he would not comment on the specifics of Mr Crepeau’s visit.