CPD was pleased to convene the eighth meeting of the Regional Peer-Learning Platform on Alternatives to Child Immigration Detention in Sydney from 18-20 February 2024. This meeting, held in partnership with the International Detention Coalition (IDC) as part of the Asia Dialogue on Forced Migration Secretariat, marked the first time the platform has met in Australia since its inception in 2019.
Bringing together over 40 participants, the meeting included representatives from policy and implementing agencies across Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Thailand, alongside experts from civil society, academia, and international organisations.
The event was officially opened by Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, setting the stage for three days of open and frank discussions on a variety of topics. Participants shared policy progress, challenges, and emerging opportunities in implementing alternatives to detention within their national contexts. Key discussions focused on:
Participants also had the opportunity to visit local refugee and asylum seeker support services, where participants saw firsthand how policy translates into practice. These site visits reinforced the critical role of community-driven initiatives in building more humane and effective migration systems.
With growing momentum across the region, CPD remains committed to facilitating these vital conversations – helping governments and civil society work together to create fairer, more sustainable migration pathways for children and families.
