Report shows migrant children staying in Home Office hotels at higher risk of trafficking
A report revealed that numerous children staying in hotels operated by the Home Office had disappeared, with some as young as 12.
A study conducted by University College London (UCL) and Every Child Protected Against Trafficking UK (ECPAT) indicated that several of the missing children from Home Office hotels accommodating migrants were likely victims of trafficking.
These findings challenged previous statements by the Home Office claiming that the children had not been exploited.
Between 2021 and January of the current year, 440 children went missing, with 144 still unaccounted for by November of last year, including a 12-year-old boy.
Although the child hotels were closed at the beginning of 2024 due to a High Court ruling deeming them illegal, at least 118 children were still missing in March, as per the report.
The report also raised concerns about children being mistakenly identified as adults, which heightened their vulnerability to potential exploitation.
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Research indicated that Albanian boys were especially at risk, comprising a significant number of the missing children due to their fear of being repatriated to Albania.
The report called for an independent investigation into the disappearance of children from Home Office hotels and urged the implementation of “Independent Child Trafficking Guardians” for all unaccompanied minors in the UK.
‘A National Scandal’
Dr. Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, the lead author of the report and principal investigator at UCL’s department of risk and disaster reduction, described the situation as a “national scandal.”
She stated, “It is imperative to ascertain the location and status of the missing children to ensure their safety. Additionally, children wrongly classified as adults are denied their rights, such as education, protection, and safeguarding, and are vulnerable to detention or deportation under domestic law.
“The risks faced by these children in adult hotels are even more severe, including sharing accommodation with traumatized adults. This exposes them to higher risks of exploitation, including sexual or criminal activities by roommates or staff. No child should be placed in an adult hotel if there is any doubt about their age.”
Patricia Durr, CEO of ECPAT UK, expressed concern about the powers granted by the Illegal Migration Act, stressing the need to repeal the legislation to protect children’s rights and prevent abuse.
‘Swiftly, Firmly and Fairly’
A spokesperson from the Home Office acknowledged the seriousness of the report’s allegations, emphasizing the vulnerability of unaccompanied children in the asylum system.
The Home Office is committed to restoring order to the asylum system for swift, firm, and fair processing while ensuring proper enforcement of regulations.
The proposed Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill will establish a new Home Office unit using counter-terror measures to combat organized immigration crime.
However, there was no mention in the King’s Speech of repealing the Illegal Migration Act, a move advocated by Ms. Durr after the report’s release.
Since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister on July 5, over 1,000 migrants have crossed the Channel illegally, prompting the Government to anticipate a challenging summer ahead.
