Statement

High court rules young asylum seekers must be housed properly

Published: 27 February 2017

Following the High Court verdict in the case ‘S v Borough of Croydon’, which found that young asylum seekers claiming asylum as children should be treated as such and housed in child appropriate accommodation until the completion of a legal age assessment,

Equality and Human Rights Commission Chief Executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said:

Britain has a long history of helping refugees from around the world. Today more than ever, child refugees need our support and a better chance in life.

It is really good news that the court has agreed with us that young asylum seekers must be housed appropriately and children must be treated as such until proven otherwise.

This judgment means recognition of the importance of the safety and well-being of young people claiming asylum. They cannot be trapped in legal limbo while awaiting age assessments.

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