UNICEF UK Statement: response to the Home Secretary’s comments on safeguarding refugee children in Calais

11 Oct 2016 09:57 AM

UNICEF UK has welcomed comments made yesterday by the Home Secretary in her response to an urgent question on the situation facing asylum-seeking children in Calais.

Lily Caprani, Unicef UK’s Deputy Executive Director, said:

“The coming days are crucial for protecting the vulnerable refugee children in Calais as demolition of the camp is due in just days. The Home Secretary has set a deadline of getting all children with family in the UK here by next week. The Home Secretary’s new commitment is exactly what is needed, to prevent children falling into the hands of traffickers, before the bulldozers arrive. 

“She is right to ensure other vulnerable children eligible for protection under the so-called Dubs amendment must be in safe accommodation before the demolition and that they too will face a far faster process for getting safely to the UK.

“The Home Secretary has listened to the public’s calls for these children to be brought to safety. News of the demolition has undoubtedly scared the children in Calais, especially those alone. It is now more important than ever for the government to deliver on these promises.”

For more information please contact:

Greg Jones, Unicef UK, on +44 (0)207 375 6067 or gregj@unicef.org.uk

Emily Poyser, Unicef UK, on +44 (0)207 375 6154 or emilyp@unicef.org.uk 

About Unicef: 

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. 

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk