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Helen Bamber Foundation welcomes the scrapping of x-rays to assess the age of children seeking asylum, but remains concerned at the use of visual assessments
The Helen Bamber Foundation (HBF) welcomes the government’s decision to scrap the use of ‘scientific methods’ to assess the age of unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK. However, we are concerned about the government’s proposals to use artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technologies to assess age, and the ongoing use of visual assessments at the border.
Thousands of confirmed trafficking victims denied permission to stay in the UK and left at risk, new report shows
New data reveals that while over 4,240 non-British nationals were confirmed to be victims of trafficking in 2024, only 176 victims were granted permission to stay in the UK (‘leave to remain’) - just 4%. 4,064 adults were refused a grant of leave, despite many needing to stay in the country for their recovery and to assist with the prosecution of their traffickers. This new report from HBF, ATLEU and ECPAT UK looks at the harm caused to adult and child victims of trafficking left with insecure immigration status.
New study: The impact of hotel accommodation on asylum seekers’ mental health
A first-of-its-kind clinical study by the Helen Bamber Foundation and the University of Hertfordshire looked at the mental health impact of living in hotel accommodation on people seeking protection in the UK. It found that those forced to live in asylum hotels experience significantly higher levels of distress and depression compared to people living in alternative accommodation.