The United Nations' top human rights official believes Australia's policy of offshore processing of asylum seekers and turning back boats is leading to a chain of human rights violations.
The incoming UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein mentioned Australia in his maiden speech in Geneva.
He says they are concerned about the human rights situation of migrants around the world.
"I must emphasise that the detention of asylum seekers and migrants should only be applied as a last resort, in exceptional circumstances, for the shortest possible duration and according to procedural safeguards," he said in his speech.
"Australia's policy of offshore processing for asylum seekers arriving by sea, and its interception and turning back of vessels, is leading to a chain of human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and possible torture following return to home countries.
Listen to Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein speaking
He thinks it could also lead to the resettlement of migrants in countries that are not adequately equipped.
The speech covers a range of other issues including Syria and Iraq.
Mr Al Hussein, who is from Jordan, replaces South African Navi Pillay as commissioner.
Human rights lawyer, Daniel Webb, said it's embarrassing for Australia to be mentioned in the speech which he says highlights the seriousness with which Australia's flagrant breaches of international law are regarded on the world stage.
The speech runs to 8 pages and the mention of Australia is a one sentence reference on page 7.
"This is the new UN human right chief's maiden speech and in it he's addressed the most acute human rights abuses occuring in the world right now," he told SBS.
"In addition to that, he's seen fit to specifically mention the chain of human rights violations that are being produced by Australia's asylum seeker policies."
"I think it's a sign of the seriousness with which Australia's breaches of international law are regarded on the world stage."
Greg Dyett speaks with Daniel Webb
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