BASW and SWU join calls to protect the rights of unaccompanied children in Kent

Over 65 organisations that promote and protect the rights of children have written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson

BASW UK and Social Workers Union (SWU) have joined with over 60 other organisations to express serious concerns over the treatment of unaccompanied migrant children arriving in Kent.

Extremely vulnerable, unaccompanied migrant children are being held in short-term holding facilities and accommodated in hotels with very limited adult supervision and care, according to reports in the media and to the Home Affairs Select Committee.

Over 65 organisations that promote and protect the rights of children have written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, expressing concern at the Department for Education's authorisation for the Home Office to place children seeking asylum in Kent in minimally supported hotel accommodation.

The letter urges him to ensure these vulnerable children are given the care and protection they are entitled to by law.

It can be read in full on the Children England website - BASW and SWU encourage members to find out more and share the letter with their networks.