The Belgian Federal Government has plans to build a new closed centre in order to detain families with children. These plans were mentioned in the Government Agreement of 9 October 2014. Since the beginning of this parliamentary term, Minors in Exile and UNICEF Belgium have asked the government to stop this project and work together to protect the rights of children in Belgium.
With their campaign “You don’t lock up a child. Period.”, many organisations wish to inform the public and mobilise them against the Government’s plans. According to the organisers of the campaign, children should be treated as children, be free, be looked after and protected, and enjoy the same rights, in full accordance with international law concerning child rights.
Read Minors in Exile’s Press Release (in French Only)
Photo Credit: You don’t lock up a child (campaign’s website)