Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 185
Abandon any intention of forcibly removing asylum-seeking children to Rwanda.
Recommendation
We believe the risks of harm to children arising from the removal process outweigh any risks of damaging the intended deterrent effect of the Rwanda policy. The Government should abandon any intention of forcibly removing children to Rwanda.
Government Response Summary
The government does not abandon the intention but states that unaccompanied children will only be removed in very limited circumstances and only once they reach adulthood. Children would only be relocated as part of family groups, subject to a further assessment of Rwanda’s capacity.
Paragraph Reference:
185
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
In relation to the recommendation at paragraph 185, the power to arrange removal of an unaccompanied child under the Illegal Migration Act will only be exercised in very limited circumstances ahead of them reaching adulthood as is set out on the face of the legislation. Once 18, they will be treated as adults and can be removed to a safe third country or their country of origin (if it is safe to do so). Children would only be relocated to Rwanda as part of family groups. A further assessment of Rwanda’s capacity to accommodate children will be undertaken before this would be considered as an option.