The research is part of a larger study into the treatment of such children entitled ‘Seeking Asylum Alone’ which to date has involved similar research in Australia and the United States. The UK report was co-authored by Jacqueline Bhabha of Harvard Law School and Nadine Finch , a barrister at Garden Court Chambers.
‘Seeking Asylum Alone’ UK examined the treatment of separated and trafficked children seeking asylum within the UK. It sought to establish whether the asylum determination process assisted or hindered their pursuit of protection and whether this process complied with regional and international human rights standards. The research uncovered a pervasive tension between the Government’s commitment to ensure children were protected from abuse whilst they were in the United Kingdom and the imperative of increasingly strict immigration controls. This led to there being a culture of disbelief in relation to the accounts given by children. Often they were not even believed to be children at all.
If you would like further information about copies of the report please contact naomis@gclaw.co.uk or telephone 020 7993 7671
