• Policy questions after figures say 470 minors detained
• Post-traumatic stress common in those released
Ministers were facing accusations today that hundreds of children are being held unnecessarily in immigration detention centres as official figures revealed, for the first time, that 470 minors were being detained with their families.
The figures, made public following pressure from children's rights groups and MPs, showed most were under five.
Many were from troubled countries such as Zimbabwe, Sudan, Sri Lanka and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The UK has one of the worst records in Europe for detaining children, but accurate figures on how many are held, or for how long, have remained elusive.
2 comments:
The post traumatic stress couldn't POSSIBLY have come from the war and famine torn country which they ran away from in the first place, could it?
Bleeding heart liberals. If it is so stressful to be shut away in Britain, let them be taken back to their country of origin where they can enjoy all the benefits of their birthplaces in complete freedom.
“The UK has one of the worst records in Europe for detaining children”
Indeed, we do. England and Wales lock up more children than any other country in Western Europe. Most of the children in prison – whether from our country or abroad – have suffered past emotional trauma; some have been victims of sexual or physical abuse. These children are then exposed to more violence, intimidation, and abuse. Locking up immigrant children from places such as Sudan or Zimbabwe simply transfers them from one desperate situation to another. We at the Howard League believe prison is no place for any child – wherever they are from.
To find out more, click on http://www.howardleague.org/gusu/
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