In July when IDC Africa members met in Kampala, Uganda, there was much discussion about the issue of children being detained for immigration purposes across the region. Discussion included both a recognition that detention of children was occurring, but also that more information is required regarding prevalence and location of detention of children was needed.
A core group of members have decided to take action on two fronts:
1) To undertake a regional mapping survey of the use of immigration detention across Africa
The mapping project will involve IDC members and other interested organisation (we hope to reach out to new members through this process) completing a basic country profile that will then be compiled by the Africa Regional Coordinator and members of the IDC Africa working group on child detention (formed in Kampala). The profile is currently under development and should be ready to shortly. If you would like to get involved please contact Lucy Bowring.
2) To engage in awareness raising with both the public and authorities about the problem of children in immigration detention through participation in the International Day of Action to End Child Detention (November 20, 2014)
A number of IDC Africa members have previously run campaign events with support of the Global Campaign to End Child Detention. This year, IDC members in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda plan to step up campaign work and run an event on November 20, 2014, the International Day of Action to End Child Detention. The day of action will be held on the 25th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. For more information or if you would like to hold an event in your country, contact Campaign Coordinator Leeanne Torpey