25 signatures reached
To: The International Development Committee
Protect child refugees
Give a passage of safety to unaccompanied minors from the Syrian refugee crisis and place pressure on the Greek government to stop orphaned children being placed in police cells. Instead, we ask the International development committee to support Greece in finding an alternative system to protect these children and also ensure that they are not physically or psychologically harmed by being placed in an inappropriate environment. We ask that the IDC look at the mechanism that is now in place in Kos where unaccompanied minors are taken into the care of children's services. This arose because of pressure placed on the Greek authorities by the children's e-hospital, the UNHCR and other agencies.
Why is this important?
There is a clear risk of child abuse in this arena. Italy has estimated that 4000 child refugees have simply disappeared. In addition to providing a safe final destination we would urge the IDC to consider the physical and psychological impact of placing children in medieval dungeons without access to food or water and without appropriate stimulation and care. The Children's e-hospital has witnessed first hand the treatment of children as young as 7 years in this manner. This is totally unacceptable behaviour by Europe and Britain must do its part in helping these children.
