The Refugee Council's News Review rounds up media coverage of issues relating to refugees and asylum for anyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest developments.

This week's News Review looks at issues affecting young people, including Home Office proposals to deport unaccompanied children, a 14 year old sickle cell anaemia patient who's fighting to remain in the UK and conditions faced by children in immigration centres. It also covers a new citizens' consultation on the treatment of asylum seekers and brings together the latest special features on individual stories.

Home Office plans to deport unaccompanied children

There was widespread controversy over government proposals on unaccompanied children seeking asylum, including plans to begin their forcible removal. Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said "We're pleased the Home Office has recognised that it needs to improve the way they safeguard and protect these children. However we have serious concerns about some of the proposals outlined, and we oppose government plans to forcibly return children to their country of origin. The government should not try to force any child to return against their wishes where their safety and welfare cannot be guaranteed."

Home Office draft code of practice consultation paper: Keeping children safe from harm 

Refugee Council press release: Our response to government reform paper on unaccompanied children seeking asylum

How it was reported in the media:
BBC News: Interview with 15 year old asylum seeker - ‘I'm happy in this country'
BBC News: Asylum children face deportation
Guardian: Home Office defends plans to send back child asylum seekers
Independent: Child asylum-seekers to be forcibly deported
Independent: Cruelty, mistreatment and abuse 

Medical Foundation press release: MF welcomes child asylum review but warns against swifter removals
Immigration Law Practitioners' Association press release: Border and Immigration Agency publishes proposals for unaccompanied children seeking asylum