Updated - Adds PN statement - The United Nations High Commission for Refugees has welcomed an announcement by the prime minister yesterday which indicated an end to detention of child  asylum seekers in Malta.

"We consider this to be a positive signal that the Government is prepared to make important adjustments to the current reception system. It is our firm belief that legitimate concerns and interests of States can be effectively addressed while maintaining a reception system which is in line with international standards," the high commission said.

Jon Hoisaeter, UNHCR Malta Representative added:“The Prime Minster has signalled a change that will have a direct impact on the well-being of vulnerable children. UNHCR will continue to work with the relevant Maltese authorities to contribute to further improvements to the system.”

In September 2013, UNHCR published a comprehensive legal analysis of the current reception system in Malta, raising concerns about the use of detention, including for children:http://www.refworld.org/docid/52498c424.html

Speaking during Labour's Freedom Day commemoration yesterday, Dr Muscat highlighted the plight of different families and migrant children, insisting that change was not just about enacting laws but fostering respect for those who are different.

Receiving muted applause, Dr Muscat said the place of migrant children was not in "prison".

He hinted that the government would be creating some form of structure to remove children from detention centres. He did not elaborate and failed to explain how migrant children were being kept in detention when it is policy to release minors from detention almost immediately.

A group of NGOs - aditus foundation, Integra Foundation, JRS Malta, KOPIN, Malta Emigrants Commission, Organisation for Friendship in Diversity, People for Change Foundation and SOS Malta also welcomed the prime minister statement.

"Although Malta’s national policy on migration and asylum already clearly states that children should not be detained, children reaching Malta by boat are in fact detained on arrival. In some cases it is for a few days, but in many other cases children are detained for months, without any provision for special care, education, protection or support, including while a decision is taken regarding their claim to minor age in the case of unaccompanied or separated children.

"In most cases these were children who were forced to flee their homes with their families or alone due to war or persecution,living through experiences no child should go through," the NGOs said.

"We believe that children should never be detained, even for a few days.

We have therefore consistently advocated for Malta to bring its laws and policies in line with international and EU standards by putting an immediate end to child detention and setting up proper facilities for the reception of children.

"The Prime Minister’s commitment is an important first step in the process to revise the current reception regime to provide the appropriate shelter, care and on-going support to children reaching our shores.

"We are hopeful that the Prime Minister’s words are indicative of a willingness to actively engage with us all in a review process of the way Malta receives and treats migrants , asylum-seekers and refugees."

PN STATEMENT

In a statement, Opposition home affairs spokesman Jason Azzopardi and MP Claudette Buttigieg said Dr Muscat had given the impression of taking a major step forward, when there was actually consensus that children should not be held in detention, and such a policy was introduced by the former administration.

While Dr Muscat's statement was welcome, especially in the context of his previous statements on migration, the PN said it was urging the prime minister not to attempt to hoodwink NGO and the public.

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