To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will fund interpretation and advice services in France, Italy and Greece, so that refugees who are eligible to enter the UK are supported in safely doing so.
Answered on
20 March 2017
The primary responsibility for unaccompanied children in Europe lies with the State in which they are present. However, the UK has established a £10 million Refugee Children’s Fund to support the needs of vulnerable refugee and migrant children arriving in Europe. The fund prioritises the needs of unaccompanied and separated children travelling through Greece and the Balkans. Support includes specialised shelters which offer 24 hour care, including psychosocial support, educational activities and legal assistance.
During the first five months of operation 534 safe spaces for unaccompanied children were created or maintained with DFID funding. 1476 children accessed protection or legal support, 294 have been referred to long term alternative care and 168 are undergoing asylum processes.