Nearly 150 children’s advocacy organizations have accused the Government of launching a continuous assault on children’s rights by proposing the use of handcuffs on children during deportations. The groups labeled the plans to increase the level of force permissible on children as “repugnant” and cautioned that alterations to settlement regulations could ensnare tens of thousands of young individuals in poverty.
Under the current consultation, the Government is considering permitting officials to handcuff and physically guide children onto deportation flights if they resist. Various groups, including the British Association of Social Workers, Children’s Rights Alliance for England, and The Fostering Network, expressed their dismay in a letter to Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, stating that deeming harm to children as “unfortunate but necessary and justified” is unacceptable.
In a joint statement, the 148 organizations emphasized their concerns about the erosion of children’s rights in recent migration policy, urging a shift in direction towards policies that acknowledge the inherent right of children who have grown up in the UK to remain in the country.
Rita Waters, the group chief executive of the National Youth Advocacy Service, stressed the importance of treating every child as deserving of protection, criticizing the potential use of force, including handcuffing, on children during deportations.
While the Home Office defended its actions as necessary to regulate the immigration system, critics, including Ms. Mahmood, underscored the need for fairer immigration and asylum procedures. Proposed changes, such as temporary refugee status with regular reviews and delays in attaining indefinite leave to remain, have drawn scrutiny from children’s organizations for their potential to exacerbate child poverty.
Advocates have called on the Government to conduct a child rights impact assessment to evaluate the implications of the proposed measures on young individuals. Amina Khanom, director of Reset Communities for Refugees, highlighted the importance of stability and security for children’s well-being, advocating for policies that prioritize welcoming environments over hardship.
Amid the ongoing debate, Leyla Williams, Deputy Director of West London Welcome, emphasized the public’s rejection of harsh treatment towards children in the immigration system, citing concerns about the potential use of force, including handcuffing, which could have detrimental effects on children’s mental and physical well-being.
The consultation document revealed that a significant portion of disrupted enforced returns involve families, with children frequently impacted. The proposal aims to allow officers to use physical force, including handcuffs in extreme cases, while prohibiting techniques causing pain or affecting breathing.
In response to criticism, a Home Office spokesperson defended the government’s immigration reforms, emphasizing the need to address the impact of high levels of migration on the country. The spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing child poverty and educational disparities while reforming the immigration system.
