Nearly 150 children’s organizations have accused the Government of launching a sustained assault on children’s rights and called for a reversal of plans to use handcuffs on children during deportations. The groups characterized proposals to increase the level of force permissible on children as unacceptable and cautioned that alterations to settlement regulations could ensnare tens of thousands of children in poverty.
Under the current consultation, the Government is considering permitting officials to handcuff 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, jointly addressed a letter to Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, denouncing the notion of causing harm to children as “abhorrent.”
Expressing their concerns, the 148 groups emphasized their role in supporting children in the UK and highlighted the emerging threat to children’s rights posed by recent migration policies. Rita Waters, the group chief executive of the National Youth Advocacy Service, stressed the importance of treating all children as equally deserving of protection to prevent distressing scenarios like forcibly separating children from their parents.
In response, the Home Office defended its actions, stating it is unapologetic about implementing measures to manage immigration effectively. The department initiated a consultation in March as part of its strategy to repatriate families lacking legal status in the UK.
Moreover, Home Secretary Mahmood outlined proposals aimed at enhancing the fairness of the immigration and asylum system. These measures include introducing temporary refugee status with regular reviews and potentially removing individuals if their home country is deemed safe.
Additionally, the Home Secretary plans to extend the waiting period for migrants to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Children’s organizations have voiced concerns that this extension could push thousands of children into poverty by rendering them ineligible for crucial benefits.
The groups have urged the Government to conduct a child rights impact assessment to gauge the repercussions on young individuals. Amina Khanom, director of Reset Communities for Refugees, emphasized the importance of stability and security for a child’s future, advocating for policies that prioritize welcome over adversity.
Leyla Williams, Deputy Director of West London Welcome, highlighted the public’s aversion to the deportation or forceful treatment of children, citing the negative impact such actions could have on children’s well-being and societal perception.
A consultation document revealed that a significant portion of failed enforced returns involves disruptions with families, often including children. The proposal ensures that officers will employ the minimum necessary physical force, prohibiting techniques that cause pain or affect breathing.
The Home Office clarified that officers could use physical force, including handcuffs in extreme cases, with the aim of addressing situations where children resist boarding planes or complying with directives. The department underscored the need for measures to manage the influx of migrants effectively while aiming to reduce child poverty and educational disparities.