A number of human rights organisations have welcomed the government’s pledge to put an end to child detention.

The commitment was made on Sunday by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during his Freedom Day Speech.

The NGOs said they were keen to explore initiatives to implement this measure. They said that in some cases children reaching Malta by boat were being detained up to several months, in breach of Malta’s migration policies.

The Prime Minister’s commitment was an important first step in the process to revise the reception regime and provide appropriate shelter, care and support to children reaching Malta’s shores, the NGOs said.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees has also welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement.

“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.”