Nearly 150 children’s organizations have accused the Government of launching a sustained assault on children’s rights and have called for a reversal of plans to handcuff children during deportations.
These groups have criticized the proposal to increase the level of force permitted on children as “abhorrent” and have raised concerns that alterations to settlement regulations will ensnare tens of thousands of children in poverty.
Under the current government consultation, officials may be authorized to restrain and physically guide children onto deportation flights if they resist. Various organizations, including the British Association of Social Workers, Children’s Rights Alliance for England, and The Fostering Network, expressed their strong disapproval of such actions in a joint letter to Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
In their communication, the 148 organizations emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s rights, stating that recent migration policy changes are eroding these rights. Rita Waters, the group chief executive of the National Youth Advocacy Service, emphasized the need to protect every child and criticized the potential use of force against vulnerable children.
The Home Office defended its actions, stating that it is committed to managing the immigration system effectively. The department recently initiated a consultation process to facilitate the removal of families lacking legal status in the UK.
Shabana Mahmood proposed a series of measures aimed at enhancing the fairness of the immigration and asylum system. These proposals include introducing temporary refugee status with regular reviews and potentially removing individuals if their home country is deemed safe.
Additionally, the Home Secretary intends to extend the time required for migrants to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Children’s organizations have expressed concerns that this policy adjustment could push tens of thousands of children into poverty as they would be ineligible for key benefits.
These groups have called for a comprehensive child rights impact assessment to evaluate the repercussions of these policy changes on young individuals. Amina Khanom, director of Reset Communities for Refugees, emphasized the critical need for stability and security in shaping a child’s future.
Leyla Williams, Deputy Director at West London Welcome, highlighted the public’s aversion to the deportation, handcuffing, and use of force against children, citing concerns about mirroring the contentious practices of immigration enforcement agencies in other countries.
The consultation document revealed that a significant proportion of failed enforced returns involve disruptions related to families, with children often caught up in these distressing situations. The document proposed guidelines for the minimum level of physical contact required, emphasizing the prohibition of techniques that induce pain or affect breathing.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the government’s actions, citing the necessity of addressing migration challenges and restoring order in the immigration system. The spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing child poverty and educational disparities through these policy changes.
