Led by the University of Liverpool, the 'Lives on hold: Our stories told' research project was the first study to provide in-depth insight into how Covid-19 had intensified these difficulties. Young unaccompanied people seeking asylum acted as co-researchers.
The research found 'deeply entrenched' inefficiencies at the Home Office and policies associated with the 'hostile environment', designed to make the UK less appealing to asylum seekers. It was revealed that there was no routine procedure for unaccompanied children seeking asylum, with the young people reporting that they were often left confused with little or no communication.
Challenging the negative stereotypes of asylum seekers in the media, the team worked with The Guardian to shine a light on the plight of young Albanian asylum seekers. A peer-researcher also shared their experiences of navigating the asylum system during and in the aftermath of the pandemic in Open Democracy.
The research findings featured in the Daily Mirror, as the Home Office 'wages psychological war' on child asylum seekers with 'destructive' delays.
Watch the documentary film
Co-produced by LOHST and PositiveNegatives.
Research objectives
Through interviews with 70 young asylum seekers from 13 different countries, and over 50 professionals across government, legal, welfare, and education sectors, the study revealed how these delays - sometimes lasting more than 3 years - left vulnerable people in a state of uncertainty. Some reported that they had been waiting 7-8 years, losing the protections offered to children as they age into adulthood. This indecision increases their risk of exploitation and modern slavery.
The study highlighted the severe mental health crisis affecting this group, with many asylum seekers suffering from anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Limited access to mental health services, combined with social isolation and unsuitable accommodation, makes their situation even more dire.
The findings offer recommendations for legal, policy, and practical reforms to help ensure the rights and welfare of young asylum seekers are upheld. This essential evidence will support legal practitioners and policymakers in creating long-term solutions that offer hope and stability for these young people.
Key partners
Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, the project partnered with the Universities of Liverpool, Southampton, and UCL, to explore the complex legal, social, and emotional challenges facing unaccompanied children and young people seeking asylum (aged 16-25). This project ran from January 2021 - February 2023.
The project team - Professor Helen Stalford, Professor Elaine Chase, Dr Ingi Iusmen, Professor Jana Kreppner, Dr William Shankley - collaborated closely with a group of 10 unaccompanied young asylum seekers, who served as co-researchers. These young people, accessed through and supported by the Shpresa Programme, an Albanian-support charity, played a vital role in shaping the research. Their lived experiences added depth and authenticity to the findings, ensuring that the voices of those directly impacted were central to the project’s outcomes and recommendations.
Watch the animation
Co-produced by LOHST and PositiveNegatives.
Resources
Access the reports and additional information on the project website: livesonhold.org.
Lives still on hold - Addressing delays in asylum decision-making concerning children and young people
Follow-on-funding from Research England (UK) assisted the team in developing policy guidance and tools informed by previous research on delays in asylum decision-making affecting children and young people. These were co-produced with young people seeking asylum to ensure these issues are addressed.
In collaboration with the Shpresa Programme, Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU), and Migrant & Refugee Children's Legal Unit (MiCLU), a series of workshops brought together practitioners and policymakers, including government members, lawyers, and mental health experts, to raise awareness and promote good practices.
Resources relating to trauma-informed approaches to research, guided by lessons from both practice and lived experiences, are available to access through the European Children's Rights Unit. This project ran from February - July 2023.
This research supports the following UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 1) no poverty, SDG 8) decent work and economic growth, SDG 10) reduced inequalities, SDG 16) peace, justice, and strong institutions, and SDG 17) partnerships for the goals.
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