Today (1 February 2011) the Court of Appeal has given new guidance to courts and councils on how to resolve disputes about the ages of children and young people.
The issue most commonly arises for children arriving alone in the UK having fled persecution abroad. Many have no formal identification papers or come from countries without formal birth certificate systems.
In this latest case, a young man (FZ) arrived from Iran. He claimed to be 15. Croydon Council decided he was 17. He wanted to dispute that decision but the High Court refused him permission to bring a claim. The Court of Appeal allowed his appeal and issued guidelines for councils and courts on how to handle such cases.
FZ was represented by Jan Luba QC and Shu Shin Luh from Garden Court Chambers. His solicitor was Zubier Yazdani from Pierce Glynn Solicitors.
For the judgment, click here.
For a detailed press release, click here.
