France These children that France detains

December 15, 2011

Comment: The French article depicts the reality of the French detention policy of foreign minors, accompanied by their family or not, pending their deportation or during proceedings. Backed up by several reports from national migrant protection NGOs and European networks, the article puts an emphasis on the particular situation of minors who face a triple vulnerablity due to their status of irregular migrants, children and detention condition. The article highlights the fact that in 2010, 356 children were placed in detention like facilities where their freedom of movement and access to services were restricted. The situation of a family from Tchetchenia is also provided in an attempt to add poignant life accounts to statistics. While the article is quite sensational it does point to the problematic practice of French authorities that detain children.

Comments: Pierre Cazenave, Tdh regional office for Central and Eastern Europe