| answer text |
<p>We recognise the deeply troubling circumstances faced by all Ukrainians who are
caught up in this conflict, including unaccompanied minors, and the role many countries
will need to play to safeguard those children. With respect to UK charities we are
aware of a significant interest in assisting Ukrainian children.</p><p>Safeguarding
and protection of these vulnerable children is paramount. It will generally be in
the best interests of a child to reunite with their family members in the first instance.
This is also the position of the Ukrainian Government. We have held a number of discussions
with leading international organisations who are working hard to ensure appropriate
processes are put in place to process and safeguard unaccompanied minors who are fleeing
Ukraine.</p><p>The Ukraine Family Scheme (UFS) provides an immediate pathway for those
Ukrainians, including unaccompanied minors, with family already settled in the UK
to come to our country. The relevant safeguarding checks will be performed as part
of the application process. The UFS is designed to allow as many people as possible
to come to Britain and gives them immediate access to the support they need.</p><p>The
routes and visa changes which we have announced so far follow extensive engagement
with the Ukrainian Government to ensure they respond directly to their needs and asks.
We will continue to work closely with them going forward.</p><p>We are committed to
working with local government to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place, particularly
for any unaccompanied children who may arrive and for whom there is no option of being
reunited with extended family. The UK already has well established policies in this
area for looked after migrant children.</p>
|
|
