BANGKOK, 9 February 2016

“The Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Australia is a signatory, underscores that the best interests of a child must be a primary consideration in all decisions and actions affecting that child.

“Any action that increases the risks a child faces, including removal to a place where a child’s rights are less well-protected, is clearly not in the best interest of that child.

“The rights of children are paramount and must be respected in every situation, including in actions to protect sovereign borders. All children should be protected by these rights, irrespective of their citizenship or status.”