UK Detains 76 Age-Disputed Children Under Controversial 'One In, One Out' Scheme
More than 70 children from various conflict zones, whose ages were disputed by the Home Office, have been detained in adult detention centres in the UK as part of the government's "one in, one out" immigration scheme. Research conducted by the Humans for Rights Network reveals that 76 so-called age-disputed children have been held since removals under this initiative began in September.
Details of the 'One In, One Out' Initiative
Under this scheme, each small boat arrival can be forcibly removed to France in exchange for another migrant being brought to the UK via a legal route. However, it is unlawful to detain unaccompanied child asylum seekers in adult detention centres, raising significant legal and ethical concerns.
Maddie Harris of the Humans for Rights Network stated, "Many of these children are survivors of torture and trafficking and are experiencing acute declines in their mental health as a result of what is often months of detention in the UK." She emphasized that these children are being denied access to proper care, support, and age assessments conducted by social workers in the community.
Age Assessment Controversies and Legal Challenges
Age assessments for young asylum seekers remain a contentious issue. Freedom of information requests have shown that many individuals initially classified as adults by the Home Office were later determined to be children after assessments by social workers. Notably, one child removed to France under the scheme as an adult was later confirmed to be a minor.
Of the 76 detained children, 26 have been released into the care of children's social services, 11 are in adult accommodation pending assessments, and 13 have been removed to France. The nationalities of these children include Eritreans, Sudanese, and Afghans, highlighting the diverse conflict zones they originate from.
Recent Legal Interventions and Allegations of Force
As recently as March 25, the removal of two age-disputed children to France was halted following a High Court ruling. Elizabeth Cole, a solicitor from Duncan Lewis representing one of the children, welcomed this decision, stating, "The Home Office's contention that a child's age need not be determined as a matter of fact prior to removal is highly concerning."
Additionally, some asylum seekers removed on a flight the day after the hearing have alleged injuries from the use of force by guards during the process, including loosened teeth, scratches, and foot injuries requiring surgical boots. The Home Office responded that reasonable and proportionate force may be used when individuals resist, to ensure safety and compliance.
Government Response and Broader Context
A Home Office spokesperson defended the scheme, stating, "This government is bearing down on small boat crossings. We have stopped over 42,000 illegal migrants attempting to cross the channel since the election and removed or deported almost 60,000 people who were here illegally." The spokesperson added that efforts are ongoing to increase removals and deter illegal migration.
The "one in, one out" initiative has forcibly returned over 400 people who arrived via small boats, with a similar number brought legally to the UK. The independent chief inspector of borders and immigration is currently investigating the returns programme, calling for evidence to assess its impact and compliance with human rights standards.
