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<p>The primary responsibility for unaccompanied children in France lies with the French
government. Following the closure of the Calais Camp, French authorities transferred
all children formerly resident to specialist centres across France. It is vital that
children claim asylum in France; that is the fastest route to safety.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p>We have a strong track record of cooperating with France to manage the situation
in Calais and to protect our shared border. We supported the humanitarian operation
to clear the Calais migrant camp in October 2016, which involved the transfer of more
than 750 children to the UK and funding to help provide migrants in Calais – including
children – with suitable facilities elsewhere in France. Our law enforcement agencies
work closely together to</p><p>tackle smuggling and trafficking. Home Office officials
meet with their French colleagues on a regular basis.</p><p> </p><p>According to Eurostat
data, 63,300 unaccompanied children claimed asylum in the EU in 2016:</p><p><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8016696/3-11052017-AP-EN.pdf/30ca2206-0db9-4076-a681-e069a4bc5290"
target="_blank">http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8016696/3-11052017-AP-EN.pdf/30ca2206-0db9-4076-a681-e069a4bc5290</a></p><p>
</p><p>This includes a breakdown of asylum applications by EU Member State.</p>
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