UK Border Agency Denies Food and Medicine For Child Asylum Seekers

According to new reports, child asylum seekers arriving in Dover, some who are actually suffering from illnesses or serious injuries, are currently being denied food, medicine and rest. Before they can get these things, they have to complete interviews with the UK Border Agency.

These allegations, which have been brought to light by the Refugee and Migrant Justice, was denied by the UK Border Agency. Regardless, the Refugee and Migrant Justice group says that the interviews show no regard for the children's well being.

One spokesperson for the Refugee and Migrant Justice group said that, as well as being denied basic care, children are being interviewed without the support of an independent adult or legal representative. This information that is obtained from the interviews has been used against these kids in their application for international protection. Lawyers for the Refugee and Migrant Justice group argue that interviewing children after arrival in Dover is unlawful.

A report from the Refugee and Migrant Justice goes on to describe the experiences of the children who are arriving in Dover. The report said that one child was actually suffering from a bomb injury and recent stab wounds when he finally arrived in the UK. Another child had injuries from a gunshot wound. However, both were detained and subjected to interviews without being offered any kind of medical care.

The chief executive of the Refugee and Migrant Justice, Caroline Slocock, said that unaccompanied children coming into Dover arrive hungry, cold and often ill. They have traveled for months in situations of great danger, fleeing war torn countries like Afghanistan to find safety in the UK. However, they are welcomed by nothing more than interviews by the UK Border Agency. Interviews that actually get used against the kids who were offered no legal representation.