Private Roundtable – Protecting children who are age-disputed

Monday 4 March 2024, 11am - 2pm

In-person, Chambers, 57-60 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LJ

Date:Monday 4 March 2024
Time:11am - 2pm
Venue:Chambers, 57-60 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LJ
Cost:Free

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There is no doubt that the age-determination system is no longer protecting children who are seeking asylum in the UK. Despite the wealth of data and evidence, including the most recent report by the Helena Bamber Foundation, Humans for Rights Network and the Refugee Council, Forced Adulthood, from January 2024, there has not been a positive change to the Home Office assessment system at the port of entry. The process is flawed and efforts were made to challenge the operation and policy, through the courts as well as policy and influencing work. The Government is not receptive to our arguments. On the contrary, they have introduced rules which will make it harder to protect children. The question is where we go from here and how we can effectively join up advocacy and legal efforts.

Programme

11:00 – 11:20 Welcome

11:20 – 11:45 Plenary discussion

11:45 – 12:45 Workshops:

Workshop 1: Age determination process at the port of entry, including refusal to accept documentation
Workshop 2: Children who were detained, prosecuted or shared rooms with unrelated adults and scope for damages
Workshop 3: Supporting children who face charges for facilitating illegal entry as adults

12:45 – 12:55 – Break (light refreshments will be served)

12:55 – 13:40 – Feedback from each workshop (10 minutes each)

13:40 – 14:00 – Plenary discussion, agreeing on next steps, and closing remarks

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