Duncan Lewis represents Afghan minor in legal challenge against refugee policy (the Guardian) (5 March 2018)

Duncan Lewis are representing an Afghan minor, ZS, in bringing a legal challenge against the Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) for refusing his asylum claim as a former refugee of the Calais jungle. Like many unaccompanied minors who sought asylum in 2016 before the camp was demolished, the boy has been let down by the government despite the fact that the Dubs Amendment promises to offer a safe and legal route to refugee children travelling alone. Last month, the government agreed to extend the eligibility deadline for refugee children arriving in Europe, so that all that arrived up until 18th January 2018 will be considered under the Dubs Amendment. Krisha Prathepan, the boy’s solicitor said: “[ZS] is clear that his only hope is to come to the UK so that he can begin to rebuild his shattered life. By ignoring her statutory obligations under the Dubs amendment, the home secretary has not only failed ZS, but thousands of other unaccompanied refugee children who remain on mainland Europe, many living without shelter in these freezing conditions and at risk of exploitation. We hope this challenge will force the UK government to carry out its moral and legal duties towards these children.”