Policy & legal updates
The Joint Committee on Human Rights today published a further report on the proposed residence test for civil legal aid, which the Government plans to implement on 4 August 2014. Citing evidence from CCLC and others, the JCHR concludes that the residence test will lead to breaches of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and calls for the secondary legislation to be withdrawn. The policy is subject to legal challenge, with the judgment expected soon.
Modern Slavery Bill
The Government has introduced legislation on trafficking, which is due to be debated in Parliament on 8 July. The Refugee Children’s Consortium and others have been calling for greater protections for child victims, including through a system of guardianship. The Government is instead piloting a system of child trafficking advocates, delivered by Barnardo’s.
Children entering detention held solely under Immigration Act powers, May 2014
Released 26 June 2014
Five children entered immigration detention in May, three at Tinsley House and two at Cedars.
Upcoming training courses
The rights and entitlements of young refugees and migrants, London, 23 September, 10am – 4.30pm, £54 per participant
Our one-day, CPD-certified course covers: the asylum/immigration process, legal representation, identifying and assisting victims of trafficking, the legal framework for support and care, including transition at 18, age assessment and access to education.
Working with undocumented and NRPF families, London, 2 October, 10am – 4.30pm, £54 per participant
Co-delivered with Project 17, this one-day training course covers law and policy on the rights of undocumented migrant families and those with no recourse to public funds. It looks at how their needs can be addressed, covering access to accommodation and support as well as regularising immigration status.
In-house training
We also offer training tailored to the needs of your organisation, on site or at the Coram Community Campus in central London.
For more information and to book, please see our website.
Latest news
This is what it’s like to cross the border illegally at 13 years old
Huffington Post, 17 June 2014
Account of hellish journey for 13-year-old unaccompanied minor crossing American border to find his family
2015’s first-time voters are ‘Generation Welcome’ new poll reveals
Refugee Week, 15 June 2014
The new generation of first-time voters casting their first ballots in 2015 are “Generation Welcome”. with three quarters wanting Britain to keep its role of offering a safe place for people – especially children – fleeing violence, war and persecution
Trafficked children need us to advocate for them
Huffington Post, 6 June 2014
Some 450 of the 1,746 victims of human trafficking referred for support last year were children. In reality, it is likely that this number is the tip of the iceberg
Europe faces ‘colossal humanitarian catastrophe’ of refugees dying at sea
The Guardian, 2 June 2014
UN considers Africa holding centres as ‘boat season’ is expected to bring sharp increase in migrants making treacherous crossing