It is a sad day when the government turns its back on vulnerable children in need of protection (Tories reject plan to accept more child refugees, 26 April). Since last year Middlesex University has received funding from the UK government and the EU to build evidence of the journeys and experiences of refugees fleeing to Greece and Italy. Tragically we see many children on their own and know that many “disappear” through the system. In January the EU criminal intelligence agency estimated that around 10,000 children had gone missing after arriving in Europe. We suspect the number is even higher.
These children have been through enough horrific experiences in their lives. The fact that they make a perilous journey, risking their lives, only to find themselves in the hands of criminal gangs should make us all ashamed. Neither Europe nor Turkey is protecting children sufficiently. The argument that taking in children would encourage more to come misses the point. The children we are talking about are already in Europe and need protection. Our government has decided to abandon them.
Professor Brad Blitz
Middlesex University
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