CYP Now - Warnings over welfare of child refugees at overcrowded Kent reception centre

Charities are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of child refugees held at the Manston reception centre, which campaigners have described as a "humanitarian catastrophe".

Inspectors found that unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were being held for "excessive" periods at Manston reception centre in Kent. Photo: Lydia Geissler/AdobeStock

The concerns follow widespread reports of squalid conditions at the reception centre - a non-residential facility designed to hold refugees while paperwork is processed - and the publication yesterday (Tuesday) of an inspection report which warned of children being held there too long.

The reception centre is designed to hold a maximum of 1,600 refugees, but according to the Refugee Council, the current number held there has reached 3,000 – a larger population than any UK prison.

The Refugee Council report that the overcrowding is due to a lack of outflow from the facility and an increase in the length of time people stay at the facility, despite the Manston only being equipped for stays of up to 24 hours.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included