Peer learning exchanges between governments and civil society implementers have
facilitated the sharing of ideas, experiences, knowledge, and challenges on
implementing ATD. Some countries have made significant progress in restricting or
even ending the use of immigration detention for some or all groups of people, while
others are beginning to embark on this journey. While there is no one-size fits all
approach, the sharing of successes and lessons learned means that stakeholders
gain a better understanding of what is happening in other countries and can better
determine if these different ATD strategies or systems can be adapted and
implemented within their national context.
Peer learning initiatives on ATD include the Regional Peer Learning Platform and
Programme of Learning and Action on Alternatives to Child Immigration Detention,
a closed-door Chatham House Rule initiative co-convened by International Detention
Coalition (IDC) and the Asia Dialogue on Forced Migration (ADFM) Secretariat, with
participating government and civil society implementers from Australia, Indonesia,
Malaysia, New Zealand, and Thailand.
Platform participants discuss different aspects of ATD for children and their
families, and share learnings, successes, and challenges. As part of the Platform,
IDC and the ADFM Secretariat have also convened two bilateral meetings for
participants from Australia and Thailand, and Thailand and Indonesia.
A further example is the Global Peer Learning Exchanges co-hosted by the UN
Network on Migration Working Group on Alternatives to Detention (co-led by IDC,
UNICEF, and UNHCR).