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Brexit and children's rights

The European Children’s Rights Unit remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the protection and promotion of children’s rights is at the forefront of the Brexit process, and that children have a voice in those debates.

A Brexit and children coalition

Members of ECRU are working closely with over 30 children's rights organisations, academics, and practitioners across the UK as part of a Brexit and children coalition. The coalition raises public awareness and briefs parliamentarians regarding the specific implications of Brexit for children. Its activities had led directly to a series of proposals for amendment to the EU withdrawal bill, aimed at providing better protection for children as the UK prepares to leave the EU. 

Read the report: Making Brexit Work for Children: (PDF, 992KB). 

EU settlement scheme

ECRU focused its efforts on ensuring that the EU settlement scheme - the immigration process which all EU/EEA/Swiss nationals living in the UK had to go through - was implemented in a way that protects children. We are worked with the Home Office to ensure that looked after children, Roma children, children with criminal convictions and children with disabilities have appropriate information, support and access to the EU settlement scheme. Information for EU/EEA Citizen Children, including Home Office-approved FAQs can be found on our designated EU Settlement Scheme page.

How do I apply to the EU Settlement Scheme graphic with blue children and a yellow speech bubble

We have also been working with Professor Kathryn Hollingsworth (Newcastle University) to draw attention to the ways in which the Scheme disadvantages children with criminal convictions. See our briefing paper:

How the EU Settlement Scheme potentially disadvantages children with criminal convictions

If you would like more information on the work of the Brexit and Children coalition, please email Professor Helen Stalford.

Brexit research briefings

EU Roma Children report cover

EU Roma Children and the EU Settled Status Scheme: Awareness, access, and eligibility

Research Briefing by Helen Stalford and Dyfan Humphreys, September 2020

EEA children report cover

EEA Children and British Citizenship: Why it is important to focus on Roma children

Research Briefing by Helen Stalford and Dyfan Humphreys, September 2020

ECRU response letter.

ECRU response to Call for Evidence for Further Inspection of the EU Settlement Scheme

Helen Stalford and the European Children's Rights Unit, August 2020