Supreme Court of New Zealand

20 June 2008

MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

ATTORNEY-GENERAL v X AND REFUGEE STATUS APPEALS AUTHORITY

(SC 69/2007)
[2008] NZSC 48
PRESS SUMMARY

This summary is provided to assist in the understanding of the Court’s judgment. It does not comprise part of the reasons for that judgment. The full judgment with reasons is the only authoritative document. The full text of the judgment and reasons can be found at www.courtsofnz.govt.nz.

The Supreme Court has allowed this appeal by the Attorney-General over the scope of the confidentiality which section 129T of the Immigration Act 1987 confers on information provided by applicants for refugee status.

The High Court held that this information cannot be made available to Government officials who are considering possible extradition or prosecution for war crimes. On appeal by the Attorney-General to the Court of Appeal, a majority of that Court agreed. The Supreme Court has unanimously held that the information can be made available, but must be treated in strict confidence by the officials who receive it.

ENDS

See... Judgment: SC692007_AttorneyGeneral_v_X_and_Anor.pdf

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