The ‘Illegal Migration’ Bill has serious implications for vulnerable asylum-seeking, refugee and migrant children’s safety and protection. Barnardo’s is concerned that as currently drafted the Bill may deny children the chance to put forward their case for asylum, as well as limit the protections they are afforded through the National Referral Mechanism if they are identified as victims of trafficking.
Barnardo’s has a long history of supporting children who need us most, including those who seek sanctuary in the UK and have suffered trauma, exploitation, and trafficking. We are deeply concerned that the ‘Illegal Migration’ Bill could deny these children the help and protection they need.
Barnardo’s wrote to the Home Secretary and Minister of State for Immigration, alongside other children’s charities, outlining our concerns when the Bill was first reported. We are still awaiting a response. Barnardo’s is a member of the Refugee and Migrant Children’s Consortium, and supports its briefing on this Bill.