Minors Involved in Terrorist Acts Should Still Retain Citizenship: Human Rights Commission

‘No children, regardless of age, should be at risk of losing their citizenship, even for terrorism-related serious offences,’ said AHRC president.

A new Australian citizen holds his certificate after a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 26, 2006. Ian Waldie/Getty Images

Australia’s Human Rights Commission has urged the federal government not to revoke the citizenship of dual national children involved in terrorism, saying it was in their best interest.

During a Senate inquiry on Feb. 19, representatives from the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) presented their view on a recent Australian citizenship legislation reform, which granted judges the power to cancel the citizenship of some serious offenders, including those who committed terrorism, espionage, and foreign interference.