Finding new ways to protect asylum seekers' children

by Kate Ramsden

UNISONScotland has mounted a challenge to the 'inhumane' treatment of failed asylum seekers' children.

In January, a delegation led by Matt Smith, UNISON Scottish Secretary, met with senior civil servants from the Scottish Executive to discuss the First Minister's proposals for improving the treatment of failed asylum seeker families in Scotland.

The union along with many other individuals and organisations, has condemned the treatment of failed asylum seekers and particularly the practice of removal by dawn raids.

In response, Jack McConnell has stated that where a family with children under 16 is to be deported, best practice should be established that involves education and social services, in advance of any action being taken by the immigration authorities, to ensure that the rights of children and the concerns of friends and teachers are taken into account.

The Scottish Executive is in discussion with the Home Office about this proposal. Following a question at December's Scottish Council, UNISON Scotland requested the meeting to clarify the implications of this for our members.

Social Work Issues Group (SWIG) members, Stephen Smellie, Chair, John Stevenson and Kate Ramsden.

We won't collude "We were very clear from the outset that UNISON members can have no role in the actual deportation process and will not be involved in uplifting children and taking them to a removal centre," said Stephen Smellie.

"We made it clear that we will not be a party to putting a human face on an inhumane practice."

"However, nor will we collude with the apparent view of the home office that asylum seeker children have no rights.

"UNISON members should have a role in promoting the rights, welfare and protection of the children of asylum seekers whilst they are living in this country, especially if this could in some circumstances have an influence on a decision to remove," he added.

UNISON representatives described the meeting as helpful, though it was clear the talks between the Scottish Executive and the Home Office are at an early stage.

"We were left with the impression that the Scottish Executive is looking for a positive way forward and that they listened to what UNISON had to say," said John Stevenson.

"However, as asylum and immigration is a reserved matter we need to find ways to try and influence the Home Office to look meaningfully at a protocol which will ensure that the rights and welfare of the children of failed asylum seekers is taken into account when decisions to deport are being considered."

UNISON Scotland, through the Social Work Issues Group, now plans to link in with colleagues in England and Wales and with a range of interested organisations in Scotland, including the STUC, the Scottish Children's Commissioner, BASW and immigration and asylum law centres.

A briefing paper on this issue has been drawn up by members of the SWIG and will also be on the website for comment - see www.unison-scotland.org.uk and click on social work.

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