UN says Australia is 'failing to uphold obligations' on prisoner rights

The United Nations has criticised Australia for failing to uphold its obligations under an international convention protecting the rights of prisoners and people in detention. Representatives from the UN arrived in Australia earlier this month to inspect various places of detention. But they were denied entry to multiple prisons in New South Wales, resulting in the UN cutting its trip short.

In the dark on Australia's prison system

The United Nations had planned a 12-day visit to monitor places of detention.

91 nations have signed up to OPCAT , the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.

It aims to protect the rights of people in detention.

But representatives were denied access at multiple centres, and ended the trip ahead of schedule.

Corrective Services New South Wales confirmed U-N representatives were denied access at two prisons yesterday, saying they didn't have prior approval.

The U-N was also denied access to the Queanbeyan Court Cells last week, and said it faced access issues in Queensland as well.