We are currently representing a 17 year old unaccompanied minor, a survivor of torture, who has been living on the outskirts of the Vathy Reception and Identification Centre (RIC) camp on the Greek Island of Samos since December 2019.

We are challenging the Secretary of State for the Home Department’s refusal to accept a take charge request (TCR) made by Greece, pursuant to Article 17.2 of EU Regulation 604/2013 (Dublin III). This is the EU’s family reunion process for refugee children stranded in Europe. Our client has two older brothers who fled to the UK and who now have refugee status. Our client seeks to be safely reunited with them in the UK.

On 4 May 2021 the Upper Tribunal granted our client permission to judicially review the decision. On 7 May 2021, following concerns that our client faced an increased risk of serious harm, we applied for urgent interim relief in the form of a transfer to the UK pursuant to the transitional arrangements of Dublin III. In the alternative we have applied for a further expedited timetable. A decision from the Upper Tribunal is now awaited.

Our client is represented by Rachel Harger of Bindmans LLP, along with Rebecca Chapman of Garden Court Chambers and Eva Doerr of One Pump Court, who are instructed counsel.

See The Independent’s coverage of this case here.