Study shows asylum children living in destitution

A recent report released by the Children’s Society has provided a grim insight into the reality of child asylum seekers and refugees who live in Britain.

The study, called ‘Living on the edge of despair’ provides an insight into the lives of children growing up in households without proper food, toys or even heating, with their mothers forced into prostitution in order to survive. It examines the lives of young people who have had their care cut off forcing them to be homeless at the age of 18 and pregnant women who are unable to afford food.

The Children’s society spoke to thirteen impoverished families and young adults and put together eight cases with the help of other voluntary organisations. Moreover, they interviewed eight professionals in order to establish what causes child destitution and the consequences of it.

Professionals in the area stated that the primary reason for child destitution was the fact that there was not enough legal representation afforded to that sector of society. This is a reflection of growing concerns that the legal aid that is provided to asylum seekers is unfairly limited and does not provide enough time to properly deal with the multifaceted and often complex UK law and immigration system. Out of the thirteen families who were interviewed, ten claimed they were not provided with sufficient legal representation throughout their claim for asylum. Interviews with the professionals revealed that in their opinion, the lack of adequate legal representation and advice was the main cause for the failure of asylum claims. Consequently, those in real need are left destitute, unable to claim benefits or work.

Parents chosen for the study had been victims of torture and rape before coming to the UK. Many felt depressed and powerless because of the fact that they were not able to care for their children. Policy advisor for The Children’s Society, Lisa Nandy said that while it was a small scale study, the findings were alarming. The study revealed that some children were eating only once a day and their parents were going several days without a meal. If these findings reflect the experiences of other families in the UK seeking asylum, then it is likely that thousands of children are destitute. Nandy stated that regardless of the legal status of all these children, they should have the opportunity for a better childhood and there is a duty to provide the same support and protection afforded to any other child in the UK.

The study revealed that children were living in unsafe, dirty and overcrowded conditions, with a family of six living in a single room. Other families were living in hostels, some afraid of the behaviour of other residents and worried about their food and property being stolen. Some children and their families were living in housing without electricity or heating and constantly fearing having to return to their unsafe countries. Another consequence of living in such unsafe conditions is sexual exploitation of those seeking asylum. The Children’s Society study revealed two children had been conceived through sexual exploitation of young women. The pregnant women did not have enough food and one woman had been homeless throughout her pregnancy.

Chairman of The Children’s Society, Bishop Stevens commented that the report was shocking reflection of the treatment facing such vulnerable children. He said the Church had witnessed appalling levels of poverty facing families seeking asylum who have escaped their countries fleeing from torture and persecution. Children seeking asylum should come first and always be a priority.