Two migrants have won a UK High Court fight against Home Secretary Priti Patel after complaining about the way their ages were assessed on arrival in England.
The pair said they were teenagers but had been judged by social workers to be adults after arriving in Kent.
Both said they were given “short” rather than “full” assessments, and argued that the way their ages were gauged was unfair.
A judge ruled in their favour and concluded that the age assessments — carried out at a holding facility in Dover, Kent — were unlawful.
The heads of a charity working with refugees welcomed Justice Henshaw’s ruling.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said “hasty” decisions had been made and described the ruling as “important”.
The judge outlined details of the case in a written ruling, which was published on Wednesday, after considering evidence at a hearing last year.
One of the migrants, a Kuwaiti who arrived in Kent on a lorry in December 2020, said he was born in June 2004.
His age was judged to be 20 after a 42-minute assessment.
The second is an Iranian rescued at sea in January 2021 after travelling in a rubber dinghy who said he was born in May 2003.
He was judged to be 21 after an assessment lasting an hour.
Justice Henshaw, who did not name the two migrants in his ruling, said the assessments were “not lawful” in “particular respects”.
“Today’s important judgment is very welcome but not surprising,” said Mr Solomon.
“In recent months, our Age Dispute Project has helped numerous young people secure a lawful age assessment by social workers following a flawed decision made on arrival in Dover, and we are relieved that the practice of hasty decisions is no longer allowed to continue.
“Distinguishing between adults and children is not something that can be done quickly. It takes time and expertise to make the right decision.”
The migrants took legal action against Ms Patel and Coventry City Council.
One had moved to Coventry after leaving Dover.
Kent County Council was listed as an “interested party”.
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Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.
Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.
The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.
Managing the separation process
- Choose your nursery carefully in the first place
- Relax – and hopefully your child will follow suit
- Inform the staff in advance of your child’s likes and dislikes.
- If you need some extra time to talk to the teachers, make an appointment a few days in advance, rather than attempting to chat on your child’s first day
- The longer you stay, the more upset your child will become. As difficult as it is, walk away. Say a proper goodbye and reassure your child that you will be back
- Be patient. Your child might love it one day and hate it the next
- Stick at it. Don’t give up after the first day or week. It takes time for children to settle into a new routine.And, finally, don’t feel guilty.
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