The IDC held its annual MENA Regional Member Meeting in Tunis, Tunisia during early June. Members from several countries were joined by IDC staff and the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Migrants and IDPs to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Commissioner Maya Sahli-Fadel.
Members shared the difficulties involved in working within shifting political contexts but were largely optimistic about the possibilities which might arise with commitment to working together as a network, sharing initiatives and information towards the development of Alternatives to Detention and increased policy space for the same within the Region.
Possibilities for engagement with Regional Human Rights Bodies such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights were explored, as well as the possibility for increased engagement in the End Child Detention Campaign. Several Africa members also committed to contributing to the Africa Regional Mapping Project which aims to ensure quality data is available to decision makers. Preliminary findings are likely to be released at a side event at the 57th Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in late 2015.
The IDC extends gratitude to the Danish Refugee Council for all their assistance in organising the event. Our thoughts are with all those there now affected by the latest tragedy, we send our wishes for peace and recovery.
For more information and if you would like to join the network, please contact the IDC MENA Regional Coordinator Junita Calder on [email protected]