Five Reasons Why the British Child Migrant Program is a Bad Idea

The Mercenary motives of the British child migrant program are clear, and so are the lack of basic safety measures and compensation. But if we look closer at this program, we see that there is far more to it than meets the eye. Here are five reasons why it is a bad idea. And how can we fix this problem? How do we compensate these children? What should we do as refugees?

Mercenary motives

For decades, the British government had a policy of exporting children to other countries, mostly Australia and New Zealand. These children were often abused in institutions or forced to do hard labour, a scandal that still has repercussions today. In the 1950s, air travel was not common and the internet had not yet ruled the world. These children were most likely orphans living in British orphanages, told they had to board a ship for Australia and had no choice but to do so.

Despite the apparent benevolence of these policies, these children faced appalling conditions. Some were sexually abused, while others were hand-picked. The program also failed to protect vulnerable children from physical and sexual abuse. Children were often sent thousands of miles away from their parents, without their knowledge. As a result, these policies failed to protect the interests of vulnerable children and have even led to a string of scandals.

Lack of basic safety measures

The British government’s child migration program has been plagued by scandals, including inadequate educational provision, overwork and low pay. Some children have even committed suicide after experiencing episodes of abuse or neglect. In post-war New Zealand, child migrants often faced physical and sexual abuse. In a recent report, the government found that the program failed to protect the best interests of vulnerable children. There is still a long way to go to ensure the safety of vulnerable migrants.

The British child migrant program was in place until 1967, when the last ship sailed. However, the abuse of these children only became known to the public recently, when Australian officials apologized to former child migrants. While the government’s original intent was to reduce the burden on the UK orphanages, it ultimately failed. The abuse and neglect took place at these institutions. The abuse of these children led to a public apology and an international investigation into the program.

Cost

The cost of the British child migrant program has been debated since its inception, with various opinions ranging from philanthropic to racist. It’s unclear exactly why the government sponsored this program, but the reasons varied. While the Poor Law institutions were largely funded through local ratepayers, voluntary societies promoting child migration depended on donations from charitable appeals. These societies marketed migration to children and sought endorsements from prominent figures, including members of the Royal Family. This program was made possible by the Empire Settlement Act of 1922, which provided the HMG with financial support to pay for the journeys of the children, as well as their maintenance until they reached the age of sixteen.

The child migrant program in the UK continued for many decades after World War II. Many children abused or forced into labour in remote, rural locations. The scandal of forced labor still reverberates. But the program had its downsides. Before the internet and air travel became commonplace, many of the children in the British child migrant program were likely orphans. They then forced to board a ship to Australia. With no choice in the matter, they given little or no education and forced to work for very low pay.

Compensation

The IICSA, the independent body responsible for advising the UK government on the welfare of former British child migrants, has recently reported that the UK Government has failed to provide adequate redress to more than 2,000 former child migrants. The report recommended that financial compensation should made within 12 months and that each applicant awarded an equal award based on their age and health. The report concluded that urgent action needed but that it had taken 10 months before the UK Government published its response.

The compensation scheme is open to former British child migrants who left the UK before 1971. To be eligible, a child must have sent to the country by a British organisation. In addition, they must have sent to one of the countries where the compensation scheme implemented. Many of these countries are Australia, Canada, and Zimbabwe. The government should ensure that there are systems in place to retain and preserve records and to make them easily accessible for those who may be eligible.