The government today released details of its scheme to bring vulnerable children and their families from countries in the Middle East and North Africa, first announced in January this year.

The programme will focus on resettling 3000 children deemed ‘at risk’ as identified by the UNHCR. This will include “vulnerable children such as child carers and those facing the risk of child labour, child marriage or other forms of neglect, abuse or exploitation”.

In response to the announcement Refugee Action’s Chief Executive, Stephen Hale, said:

“This is fantastic news for 3,000 highly vulnerable children and their families, who will now be able to rebuild their lives in safety.

“However, it’s only two cheers for now. Given the scale of the refugee crisis, the government should go further. First, vulnerable children left stranded in Europe also need our support. Second, the government must change the rules that currently prevent refugees in the UK from being reunited with their closest relatives abroad.”

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