The community interest group, Ross for Refugees are urging local residents to write to the home secretary, Theresa May, if they are concerned about the amount of unaccompanied children who are currently living in refugee camps in Northern France.

In a census carried out by a charity, Help Refugees, they found that in February, there were 423 minors living unaccompanied in the camp. In another census, carried out at the end of March by the same charity, they found 129 of these minors are now missing.

During eviction of the refugees of the Jungle in Calais, Help Refugees appealed to the French authorities to delay the demolition of the southern part of the camp, fearing that the lone children living there would be frightened. They were concerned that these children might run away, and come into the hands of traffickers. They were not successful in their appeals, and the camp was demolished.

Help Refugees claim that there have not been sufficient alternative accommodation provided for these children, and they are concerned that there were not adequate systems put into place to provide safeguarding.

Ross for refugees are appealing to any local residents who are concerned about this, to contact the Home Secretary. The Ross-on-Wye based community interest group have already sent Ms May a letter of their own. They ask that an immediate registration system be established for all minors in Calais and Dunkirk; A robust safeguarding system is set up that sufficiently comply with the UK’s Convention obligations; and a family reunification process be looked into.

If you would like to write to the Home Secretary about this matter, send her an email: [email protected]. For more information about unaccompanied children in refugee camps, visit Help Refugees’ website: www.helprefugees.org.uk/tag/unaccompanied-minors/