it is in their best interests. It is also worth noting Methodology that the Dubs Amendment, and the debates surrounding it, have focused on children who A brief review of existing literature – research may not be ‘straightforward’ Dublin III cases, not on family reunification, the Dublin III regulation, having a clear and close family link in the UK. and unaccompanied children in Calais – was The ‘Dubs amendment’ was interpreted by carried out, prior to a research visit to Calais. In the UK government as applying to those Calais, in-depth semi-structured interviews took who entered Europe on or before 20 March place with members of voluntary organisations. 2016, without requiring family links to the UK, These included organisations processing Dublin but prioritising those with family in the initial III cases as well as those working to support identification. Safe Passage UK counted at and protect children within the camp. Where least 200 children in Calais who meet this volunteers could not be met during the trip, criterea in August 2016. Yet not one child has phone interviews were conducted at a later been transferred to the UK yet under the Dubs date. An interview also took place with one Amendment, who had not already qualified minor living in the camp, whose case is being for family reunion under Dublin III. Again, the handled by Safe Passage UK. In addition, a visit discretionary clause of Article 17 could be used to the ‘Jungle’ camp took place, in which the to transfer these children legally, even without researcher was able to view camp conditions, family links, based on humanitarian need. including accommodation and volunteer-run youth, legal, women and children’s services. This report will outline: > why the law is not working for these children, > why they have so far been unable to claim their legal right to be transferred to the UK – either under the Dublin III regulation, or the new Dubs amendment – and, > what needs to change. So far, voluntary organisations and lawyers working pro bono have been able to facilitate the transfer of just under 100 unaccompanied refugee children to the UK under the Dublin III Regulation, the majority of whom came from France. However, with conditions so dire in the ‘Jungle’, and so many children missing out on their education, a safe, loving home and proper support to deal with their trauma, that this simply is not enough. 1 https://www.facebook.com/HelpRefugeesUK/posts/306615809699099 No place for children 3