End child detention: There are alternatives

Earlier this year, the Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that children should no longer be detained in immigration detention centres, pledging to place them instead under the care of NGOs that specialise in children’s welfare.

Then in August the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that 23 children and 10 of their parents or guardians have been relocated from existing immigration detention centres to what the government has termed as a ‘children-friendly’ detention centre, called Baitul Mahabbah.

Does this move signify the Malaysian government will finally put an end to child immigration detention in Malaysia?

Astro Awani’s Melisa Idris speaks to Hannah Jambunathan, Asia Pacific programme officer with the International Detention Coalition, and human rights advocate Mahi Ramakrishnan.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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