Detention of children goes against UN convention, says Suhakam
Children should only be detained as a last resort, the human rights commission Suhakam has reminded the government, after recent data showed more than 2,000 children are being held in immigration depots.
Suhakam’s chief children’s commissioner, Farah Nini Dusuki, said the practice clearly goes against the UN convention on the rights of the child, which Malaysia has ratified.
Farah said that under the treaty, child detention must be “for the shortest time” and only when absolutely needed.
“(Detention) is not in line with our duty to protect children. Their detention in closed and crowded places, some with adults, can harm their safety, minds and growth,” she told FMT.
Official data show that 2,196 children were held in depots as of Aug 31. They were among 20,143 undocumented migrants in custody at immigration depots, home minister…
