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What legal challenges face unaccompanied minors in the EU?

15 March 2016

The EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee, in the first evidence session of its inquiry into unaccompanied minors in the EU, questions three legal practitioners on the legal challenges facing unaccompanied minors in the EU.

Witnesses

Wednesday 16 March in Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster

At 10.30am 

  • Kathryn Cronin, Barrister and Joint Head of Chambers, Garden Court Chambers
  • Alison Harvey, Legal Director, Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA)
  • Baljeet Sandhu, Solicitor, Islington Law Centre and Director of the Migrant & Refugee Children's Legal Unit (MiCLU)

Possible questions

Questions the Committee may ask the witnesses include:

  • What are the key legal challenges faced by unaccompanied minors in the UK? Do these challenges differ depending on the age, gender and nationality of the minors concerned?
  • What is your view of the proposed changes to the Immigration Bill, which would “age out” certain groups of unaccompanied minors upon turning 18?
  • How has the refugee crisis affected unaccompanied children in the UK? Has the Government's response, in your opinion, been effective in addressing their needs?
  • Is there sufficient cooperation between national bodies and individuals responsible for responding to the needs of unaccompanied minors?
  • Is there a need for cross-border co-operation? Could the EU be doing more to encourage such co-operation?

Further Information

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