End Child Detention
Every year the UK immigration system locks up around 1,000 children. Yet these children came to the UK seeking protection.
Detention is damaging, expensive and unnecessary. STAR believes detaining children is immoral and unacceptable.
The Children’s Society and Bail for Immigration Detainees have joined forces with the OutCry! campaign.
The OutCry! campaign is demanding an end to the immigration detention of children.
Latest News
A letter to the Guardian from the Refugee Children’s Consortium – 9th September:
Act now on child refugee detainees
A statement by the OutCry! campaign – 16th September:
OutCry! concern about government wavering on child detention pledge
STAR’s article on the policy of detaining children – 26th August:
The battle to end child detention is not over
Detention of children
Detaining children is not just immoral; it is unnecessary, expensive and harmful. Innocent children who have fled persecution and need protection are often treated like criminals and locked up without trial.
Last year alone, 1,065 children and their families were held in detention.
The government believes that families run away from the authorities if they are not detained. There is simply no evidence for this. As anyone with children will know, their education and health needs, friendship ties and desire for stability all prevent families from disappearing.
A recent study discovered that half of the individuals held in one detention centre were later released (Chief Inspector of Prisons, March 2010). Children and their families are often detained unnecessarily for weeks or even months before their claims are assessed.
Alternatives to detention are available. They are cheaper and are successfully used in other countries.
We want to live in a more humane and compassionate society. We believe locking up children is immoral and unacceptable.
Campaigning
STAR continues campaigning to ensure the Government upholds its commitment and produces the policy and legislation to eradicate child detention and family separation.
The immigration system must ensure the welfare of children and their families is protected and that they are treated humanely throughout the process.
Information and Resources
A recent Medical Justice report revealed that children repeatedly suffer physical and psychological damage as a result of detention. Of the 141 children assessed, 92 endured physical illness including fevers and vomiting, whilst 74 were harmed mentally, later suffering from nightmares and insomnia.
Go to the OutCry! website: http://www.outcrycampaign.org.uk
Download the OutCry! leaflet and poster:
