A booklet published by UNHCR and the European Parliament Information Office, #knowthefacts, aims to provide MEPs with accurate information and statistics on asylum and migration in Malta, including on its use of immigration detention. It is part of efforts to contribute to well-informed dialogue on asylum and migration, in the run up to EU Parliament elections. According to the booklet, over 1,900 individuals, including children, were detained because of their migration status in 2013 in Malta. Although vulnerable people are assessed for release from detention, this can take weeks and sometimes months. Malta’s policy of mandatory detention is heavily criticised by civil society and international organisations including UNHCR. See also: Migration: know the facts (Times of Malta)
