Justice Connect’s Nauru Network provides pro bono assistance to asylum seekers in Nauru. We help appeal decisions made by the Supreme Court of Nauru concerning refugee claims to the High Court of Australia. The Nauru Network is one of a kind and provides pro bono legal assistance to people seeking asylum who are detained on Nauru and would otherwise be unable to engage Australian lawyers to help with this step of the process.
We rely on the generous pro bono support of barristers and law firms to help this vulnerable client group. We’re grateful to everyone who has joined the Nauru Network.
In early 2018, Nauru terminated the agreement with Australia that allowed these appeals to be heard by the High Court of Australia, and indicated that it will set up a new Nauruan Court of Appeal instead. As such, Nauru Network is not currently accepting referrals for new matters.
52 people seeking asylum received much-needed pro bono legal assistance
15 law firms, 1 community legal centre, and 40+ barristers joined the network
19 appeals were filed in the High Court
1 client was granted refugee status
9 others had their matters remitted to the tribunal in Nauru to be reconsidered according to law
2 judgments will soon be handed down by the High Court
3 appeals will be heard later in 2018