‘I Was Running Away from Death’ – The Pre-flight Experiences of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children in the UK

This study seeks to collect information about the pre-flight experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) in the UK to increase the understanding of support needed on arrival there. Case files, legal statement reviews and interviews with 100 UASC indicated that 47% 0f the UASC experienced separation from or loss of parents and/or family members. Furthermore, 41% had experienced or witnessed violence. Sexual violence was reported by 24% of African girls. The study concludes that UASC arrive in the UK with potentially traumatic experiences. More culturally appropriate research is needed to identify health and social needs of UASC, and to identify specific experiences of UASC, indicating where services need improvement in order to deal with the needs of UASCs.