The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has called for swift action in fulfilling the commitment to relocate up to 200 unaccompanied minors to Ireland from the former migrant camp in Calais.<\/p>\n
\u201cI very much welcome the news that Ireland is to accept up to 200 unaccompanied minors from the former migrant camp in Calais. However, this commitment must be followed urgently with action.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been in contact with the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, since September, appealing to her to consider accepting unaccompanied minors from Calais under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP).<\/p>\n
\u201cAlong with many others, including those involved in the #NotOnOurWatch campaign, we have continued to highlight this issue and I am very pleased that Minister Fitzgerald, and all members of the Oireachtas, have now committed to accepting up to 200 unaccompanied minors from Calais.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is essential that swift measures are taken to ensure that the children affected receive appropriate assistance to recover from what they have experienced.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs highlighted by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in its statement on the situation in Calais, the best interests of the child were completely disregarded in the demolition of the \u2018Jungle\u2019 at Calais. Political and other considerations prevailed over the initial promises by the French and UK Governments that the situation of unaccompanied children would be their priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Committee stressed that hundreds of children have been subjected to inhumane living conditions, left without adequate shelter, food, medical services and psychosocial support, and in some cases exposed to smugglers and traffickers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must therefore ensure that the mechanisms are in place so that these young people are provided with care, dignity and support in Ireland as soon as possible. I know that Irish children and young people are very anxious that our country works to help these refugees and they will be very pleased with this development.<\/p>\n
\u201cIreland is in a position to show leadership on this issue and to make a difference in the lives of some of the children affected by this humanitarian crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n