The Rights Here, Rights Now report by Unicef UK and Ecpat UK, a charity working to end the sexual exploitation of children, says the UK should follow the example of the Netherlands and provide trafficked children and young people with independent guardians.
The report says "the government should set up a system of guardianship for child victims of trafficking under statute". It adds that the guardian system should be independent of the government and immigration services, and guardians should be appointed as soon as a child who is a victim of trafficking is identified.
Guardians would work in the child's interests, ensuring they have access to appropriate care services, inform the child of their rights and help trace the child's family. They will also help such children access legal support and ensure repatriation only takes place if it is in the child's best interest. They would also have legal responsibility for the child until a long-term alternative arrangement is found.
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