The UK Committee for Unicef (Unicef UK) responds to UK Government's proposed illegal Migration Bill

10 Mar 2023 01:38 PM

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said: “The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) is deeply concerned about the proposed Illegal Migration Bill and what it could mean for children and families seeking safety in the UK.

“For almost all children fleeing conflict and persecution there is no safe and legal route into the UK.

“This Bill puts children’s right to safety and protection under threat by denying children who arrive through irregular routes, such as on a boat across the English Channel, from making an asylum claim, and with that the chance to rebuild their lives with stability and certainty here in the UK.

“The Bill has been published without an accompanying assessment of its impact on children, leaving many critical questions unanswered. It is not clear how this Bill will be compatible with existing UK Government duties to act in the best interests of the child, and it is questionable whether the removal of a child to a third country, following a perilous journey to the UK, could ever be in their best interest.

“UNICEF UK maintains that the creation of safe and legal routes must be part of any compassionate and effective response to reducing the use of unsafe routes. As a first step, the UK Government must urgently clarify how they will ensure children’s safety and wellbeing in this Bill and how they will maintain their obligations to uphold children’s rights.”

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

For more information, please contact:

Ranjit Kang, UNICEF UK, 0207 375 6030, Ranjitk@unicef.org.uk