Member

UNHCR has made it clear that family unity is a human right and that states have a legal responsibility to enable safe reunion. These new restrictions will leave children trapped in conflict zones, increase their vulnerability to exploitation and push families towards dangerous journeys that we are supposed to be trying to bring to an end. We must also acknowledge that resettlement numbers have fallen to record low levels. In 2024, only 3,675 children were resettled under Afghan-related schemes, and just 2,015 so far this year. At a time when global displacement has reached levels not seen since the Second World War, the UK cannot develop a robust and credible protection policy if it looks at asylum in isolation and ignores the impact of closing safe and regular routes. Without these routes, people, including children, are left with no choice but to risk their lives in small boats or in the hands of smugglers.