Seizing the opportunity for ATDs in Europe: PICUM’s Toolkit for NGOs and Briefing on case management
PICUM, the International Detention Coalition, and the European Alternatives to Detention Network have published two new joint resources on alternatives to detention in Europe.
The resources are aimed as practical tools for NGOs interested in advocating for alternatives to detention as well as governments and civil society organisations planning to implement case management programmes. Both papers identify common key messages:
Constructive dialogue as the basis: Alternatives to detention can be the basis for reducing and ultimately ending detention through collaboration around shared goals of case resolution and reducing irregularity.
Engagement not enforcement: Alternatives based on engagement rather than enforcement have shown to be the best approach for developing effective and humane systems for governing migration.
Adapting to each context: Nationally tailored approaches are key – there are no one-size-fits-all models of alternatives to detention.
Practical action: Setting up a case management pilot is a way for civil society and governments to test models for their specific context, moving from theory to practice.
Looking beyond numbers: What can be considered effective in the context of ATDs based on the Council of Europe’s criteria (ensuring compliance, respecting human rights and promoting cost-effectiveness) and what evidence is out there to show the effectiveness of case management-based alternatives.
Advocating for Alternatives to Detention in the Context of Migration Toolkit for NGOs
Who is it for? Civil society organisations wishing to propose concrete solutions for what a migration system without detention would look like.
Main content: Talking points; common objectives; evidence; legal grounds for alternatives to detention.
Available here in English, Spanish, and French.
Implementing Case Management Based Alternatives to Detention in Europe
Who is it for? Governments and civil society organisations interested in developing and piloting case management-based alternatives designed for their own context.
Main content: Background information on case management; guidance; evidence; examples; practical steps to set up case management pilots.
Available here in English.
