EMBARGOED: 0900 hrs Friday 24 February 2012

In response to the Children’s Society report published today (24 February 2012), I don’t feel human, which highlights the experiences of destitution among young refugees, Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:

“The experiences of children and families forced into destitution in this report are all too familiar to us in our work with people in the asylum system – they are not isolated examples. The government can not ignore the devastating impact that destitution is having on many young lives. Destitution should play no part in the asylum process. We urge the government to ensure that no child in this country has to endure the shame and suffering exposed by the young people in this report.”

ENDS

To read ‘I Don’t Feel Human’ please visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk.

The Refugee Council has been providing advice and support for separated children who arrive in the UK alone and in need of safety and support since 1994. This year, the Refugee Council is celebrating 18 years of its Children’s Section.

For further information please contact Philippa McIntyre on 020 7346 1214 or 07956 636 219.