Media Release 19 December 2003

Commission welcomes High Court Decision

The Human Rights Commission welcomes today's High Court Decision in regards to the Ahmed Zaoui case.

As a result of the decision, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Justice Laurie Grieg, will have to take into account international human rights standards and natural justice in his review of the Security Risk Certificate issued against Mr Zaoui.

"The Commission is very pleased that international human rights standards are to be considered in this case. Their application is particularly significant in a case where the rights of a refugee are being balanced in relation to matters of national security", Chief Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan says.

This is the first instance in which a Security Risk Certificate has been reviewed in the context of a refugee case.

The decision follows the Commission's appearance at the High Court as an "Intervener".

The next stage of the process is for the Inspector-General to conduct the review in accordance with the guidelines set out in today's Judgment.

The Commission anticipates that it will continue to provide assistance during the review process in relation to the relevance of national and international human rights instruments and jurisprudence.

ENDS

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