Age-disputed Refugee Children

Opened the debate

The debate focused on the issue of age-disputed refugee children in the UK, highlighting that over 1,300 children were wrongly assessed as adults by the Home Office between January 2022 and June 2023. These incorrect assessments place children at significant safeguarding risks, including being sent to Wethersfield or adult prisons. The speech emphasised flaws in the current process for assessing age, where children without identification documents face immediate visual examinations upon arrival, often leading to erroneous categorizations as adults. This results in them being placed in unsuitable accommodation and even detention centres, exposing them to sexual assault and other traumas. Western called for improved assessment processes and protections against illegal migration legislation that could inadvertently send these wrongly assessed children to Rwanda. He also requested assurances from the Government regarding appeal rights and non-removal of such individuals until appeals are resolved.

Government Response

The Minister acknowledged the importance of addressing age-disputed refugee cases, emphasising the need for robust assessments to protect genuine children while preventing misuse by adults. She outlined recent legislative reforms under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and Illegal Migration Act 2023, which include integrating scientific methods such as X-rays and MRIs into age assessment processes. The Government is establishing a national age assessment board consisting of expert social workers to enhance accuracy and expertise in assessments. She also addressed concerns about initial visual examinations by border officials, stating that these are based on high thresholds ensuring individuals receive the benefit of doubt when there is uncertainty. Minister Farris committed to further clarifications regarding specific issues raised, including safeguarding measures for wrongly assessed children and the role of scientific methods in age assessments.