Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how her Department's policy on unaccompanied child refugees is informed by the principle of putting children's best interests at the centre of all decision-making, as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; and if she will make a statement.

Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 requires the Home Office to ensure that its immigration, asylum, nationality and customs functions are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are in the United Kingdom.

This includes ensuring that the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration in every decision taken in respect of them. These arrangements are reflected in the Home Office’s rules, policy and guidance that relate to the handling of decisions made in respect of children.