Calais refugees: Where are the missing children?

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In a statement over the weekend, the charity Seeking Sanctuary has raised questions about a number of children who have not been seen since the authorities bulldozed part of the 'Jungle' camp near Calais. They said: "Seeking Sanctuary like many other humanitarian organisations is increasingly concerned about the fate of the potentially hundreds of missing children from the 'Jungle' camp in Calais.

Following recent clearances by the French authorities a census by Help Refugees UK shows that 129 children went missing during the recent clearance of the south of the camp, while hundreds more with no family members still remain, some as young as eight.

Seeking Sanctuary believes that through the coordination of police efforts it is possible to track down at least some of the missing children who are at risk of abuse exploitation and trafficking. We believe that with a greater and better coordinated police effort, particularly around main railway stations, it would be possible to protect the children and bring them to safety.

Spokesperson Ben Bano said: "Police across Europe already have experience in tracking down children who are lost or who have disappeared. We call on the British and French governments to work together in cooperation with European colleagues to protect these vulnerable children. It is the very least that should be expected of a civilised and humane society."

We also join the Children's Commissioner in asking State authorities to act with urgency to determine which of the children are eligible to come to join relatives in the UK, to ensure their safety and to process their applications without delay.

Read more about Seeking Sanctuary here: www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com.