UK — The British Red Cross warned that hundreds of children could remain separated from their families for every month the UK's suspension of refugee family reunion continues, as a high court challenge to the policy was heard last week. The charity estimated that between 550 and 1,360 children could be affected each month, of whom between 180 and 430 would likely be unaccompanied minors, based on Home Office data.

The UK suspended refugee family reunion last September, with only four days' notice given before the policy took effect. Since then, the British Red Cross has been contacted by 1,160 families left separated, and the charity has been supporting women and children left in dangerous situations.

The case against the Home Office was brought by several refugees who have family members stranded in dangerous parts of the world because of the suspension, along with the charity Safe Passage. A written submission to the court on behalf of the home secretary states that the arrival of an increasing number of refugee families imposes a burden on the scarce resources of local authorities. "The suspension was therefore an entirely reasonable and rational response to the ongoing impact on public resources," the submission said.

Internal government documents disclosed as part of the case warned that the options presented could encourage small boat journeys. According to court filings, the then home secretary, Yvette Cooper, wanted to announce a tough new policy on refugees last year as part of the government's push to stop small boats crossing the Channel, with ministers looking for evidence that the arrival of refugee families was placing demands on local authorities' resources.

People supported by the British Red Cross are fleeing conflicts and humanitarian disasters in Afghanistan, Sudan, Yemen and Eritrea, where those left behind face threats of persecution and violence. Women and girls are at particular risk of gender-based violence.

"It is vital to recognise the traumatic circumstances that force refugee families apart. People we support tell us they cannot begin to rebuild their lives until their children and family members are safely reunited with them. Family reunion is one of the only safe ways for many children to be reunited with their parents, without having to take dangerous journeys," said Mubeen Bhutta, director of policy and advocacy for the British Red Cross.

"Under this government's reforms to create a fairer asylum system, family reunion will no longer be automatic. Those seeking to bring family members to the UK will need to meet stricter criteria going forward. Other routes will be available for eligible individuals to apply to reunite with family," a Home Office spokesperson said.