"This is no life for a child."
States Kimona, the mother of four-year-old Delano. Delano and his mother were held in the Toronto Immigration Holding Centre for longer than 6 months.
Within Canada's Immigration Detention System, children are being held for long periods of time in facilities similar to medium-security prisons. These children have little access to education, little time to play, and there are no limits in place that states how long a child can be held.
The report "No Life for a Child"; discusses the dire mental health consequences of detention for children:
"According to medical experts, immigration detention causes serious and lasting psychological harm to children, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal ideation. The report finds that it is the fact of detention – not just conditions of detention – that is fundamentally harmful to a children's well-being."
During Delano's time in immigration holding his mother explains he lost weight, became angry easily, wasn't able to sleep, and cried throughout the night.A child's mental health should not be in jeopardy because they are an immigrant. Children need to have access to appropriate education and play.
Research suggests that community based alternatives would be healthier for a child rather than long term detention. Canada needs to improve their Immigration Detention System before any more harm is done.
Please sign to tell the Prime Minister of Canada and the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship it is time to reform Canada's Immigration Detention System.
Dear President Trudeau and the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship,
I strongly urge you to reform Canada’s Immigration Detention System. A child's mental health should not be in jeopardy because they are an immigrant. Children need to have access to appropriate education and play.
[Your comments here]
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
