Numbers of children in detention on the rise

9 December 2003

Despite broad popular opposition, the number of children in immigration detention has risen in the last month, and children now make up 33% of the detainees in Nauru, A Just Australia reported at the publication of the December edition of its Monthly Detention Bulletin.

There are over 188 children in detention under Australian policy. Nearly half (93) of these children are detained in the 'Topside' centre, Nauru, where they are set to remain indefinitely. Ninety-five are detained in Australian territory, including 32 in Villawood, 12 in Baxter and 15 on Christmas Island.

A year after former Immigration Minister Ruddock announced a broadening of the residential housing projects, only 19 children (10%) are in such projects.

The Government seems determined to keep the children locked up, ignoring broad opposition to the policy.

"The government has lost touch with both common sense and public sentiment," said A Just Australia National Director Howard Glenn.

"Australians don't want children locked up. They don't need to be locked up. It is severely damaging to keep these children in detention any longer."

A Just Australia welcomes the call from the new Opposition leader Mark Latham to release the children by Christmas.

"With popular support for this policy fading into thin air, the ongoing stubbornness of the Prime Minister in particular may lead to a case of 'Merry Christmas, Mr Latham'," Mr Glenn said

Background:
The AJA Monthly Detention Bulletin, December edition is published 10 December 2003, International Human Rights Day.

The report charts the number, location, gender and nationality of the children detained in centres in Nauru, Christmas Island and on the Australian mainland and is available from www.ajustaustralia.com.