Lone children held at UK-run detention centres in France 284 times last year
Data reveals that unaccompanied minors were detained at UK-run facilities in France 284 times last year. This marks a significant increase in the number of child detentions, raising concerns among refugee charities about the treatment of these vulnerable individuals. Inspectors have highlighted poor conditions and safeguarding issues at these detention sites, prompting calls for urgent action from the government.
- ▪There were 900 cases of unaccompanied minors detained at British short-term facilities near Calais and Dunkirk over the last four years.
- ▪The number of minors held at these sites rose by 10% from 2024 to 2025, with 284 cases reported last year.
- ▪Inspectors have raised concerns about the safeguarding of vulnerable detainees, including instances of re-trafficking.
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Data obtained by the Guardian shows there have been 900 cases of unaccompanied minors being detained at British short-term facilities near Calais and Dunkirk over the last four years. Photograph: Yui Mok/PAView image in fullscreenData obtained by the Guardian shows there have been 900 cases of unaccompanied minors being detained at British short-term facilities near Calais and Dunkirk over the last four years. Photograph: Yui Mok/PAImmigration and asylumLone children held at UK-run detention centres in France 284 times last yearRefugee charities say the numbers revealed in Freedom of Information data are ‘shocking’Camille Corcoran and Rajeev SyalFri 29 May 2026 11.23 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 11.25 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleLone children were held at UK-run detention…
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