UK Government must take action to support unaccompanied refugee children

Susan Munroe, Chief Executive of Freedom from Torture, said:

"A year on from the death of Alan Kurdi, the government is still failing refugee children. Freedom from Torture sees many unaccompanied children and young people who have survived or witnessed torture, including of their family members.

We see the challenges these children face every day, with referrals to our doctors and therapists of unaccompanied children who have been tortured having trebled since 2012.

These children cannot be left to suffer further trauma and exploitation while they are on the move in Europe and beyond. These children need a place of sanctuary and appropriate specialist services to support their rehabilitation. It is time for the government to take immediate action."