Can we help? |
Call on... |
020 7735 8941 |
Or send an... |
Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children
Throughout the world a significant number of children are forced to seek asylum. These children are often highly vulnerable and traumatised. If they’ve been separated from their families as a result of violence or persecution, the whereabouts of their parents or other family members may be unknown.
The state has a duty to protect these children. However, many unaccompanied minors face multiple difficulties and often abuse in the country where they are seeking asylum. Some of the children may have been trafficked, some of them may remain unknown to the authorities and some may face discrimination when in contact with government agencies. Being in a new environment without any family members often reinforces the isolation of these children.
The Role of CFAB
CFAB is often contacted by Local Authorities or the Border and Immigration Agencies with the request of providing information about the circumstances of the minor’s family in his or her country of origin. Some of the enquiries are made with the view of re-establishing contact between the family members and some with the view of returning the child.
CFAB will only become involved if the child agrees to the requested enquiries in his country of origin, and if it is felt that contact with family members or family re-unification is in the child’s best interest. ISS UK will always ensure that a child is only returned if the reception arrangements in the country of origin are safe and suitable for the child to return to.
CFAB can also be approached for independent information about a country of origin, whether relevant services are available in that country and whether there are any particular risks (cultural, religious, or political) impacting on the potential reintegration and welfare of the particular individual if returned to their country of origin. CFAB is able to obtain relevant information about many countries overseas, from a range of sources and perspectives which can then be utilised in the decision making process.
Cecilia
Cecilia had arrived in the UK from Cameroon as an unaccompanied minor seeking asylum. Her date of birth was not known, she was around 7 years old and how and why she came to the UK was uncertain. She came to the attention of Social Services unable to give any details of her family or their whereabouts in Cameroon. CFAB was asked to locate her family with a view to re-unification.
CFAB was able to trace her family in Cameroon and arranged a full assessment to be carried out of the family’s circumstances and the suitability for Cecelia to return. After the assessment was finalised a successful reunification with her family back in Cameroon could be facilitated. Some adjustments were necessary, mainly due to the length of time that Cecilia had been in the UK, but with support she settled happily.
Useful Links
United Nations High Commission for Refugees
International Organisation for Migration