Children and Families Across Borders are greatly concerned about the Government’s proposed Illegal Migration Bill. Beyond breaking the UK’s long-standing commitment under the UN Convention to allow people to seek asylum regardless of their journey to the UK, it will cause further harm to many children and their families who are fleeing war, conflict and persecution.  

Though these proposals state that Unaccompanied Minors will not be deported, we are troubled that these plans threaten a child’s right to family as per the UK’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child.  

Statement from Carolyn Housman, CEO of CFAB

“We know, from our direct experience of working with refugee and asylum-seeking children, that many have come here to flee the horrors of war, conflict, and persecution. The lack of safe and legal routes into the UK for asylum-seeking children and their families forces many to take desperate measures. These proposals will place children and families at further risk and ultimately threaten their right to a family life.”

About Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) 

CFAB is the UK member of the International Social Service (ISS) network, with partners in 130 countries. CFAB is the only Non-Government Organisation (NGO) in the UK set up specifically to deal with child protection cases which involve the UK and one or more other countries. Through our inter-country social work team, we provide guidance and practical support on a range of complex international child protection issues including refugee family reunification. CFAB works with professionals from Local Authorities, the Courts, the police, NGOs and Central Government.  In addition to our specialist cross border work, we also provide training to social workers and other professional across the UK and around the world. 

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