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IICSA published its final Report in October 2022. This website was last updated in January 2023.

Children outside the UK (media pack)

An inquiry into the extent to which institutions and organisations based in England and Wales have taken seriously their responsibilities to protect children outside the United Kingdom from sexual abuse.

This investigation also involved a case study into institutional failings of organisations based in England and Wales relating to the sexual abuse of children involved in child migration programmes. 

In recent years, grave allegations have emerged regarding child sexual abuse by individuals working for British institutions and organisations abroad.

This investigation looked at institutions based in England and Wales which recruit people to work abroad, including the Armed Forces, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British Council and private companies and charitable organisations. It examined the extent to which such institutions have failed in their duty to protect children abroad by, for example, employing individuals who should not work with children.

We also investigated how effectively the UK justice system is equipped to address the potential for abuse overseas by those known to authorities in England and Wales as posing a risk to children. Further, we considered the adequacy of Whitehall responses to reports of institutional failures to protect children from sexual abuse in overseas territories.

Investigation report - Childrenoutside the UK phase two

Public hearings - Children outside the UK phase two

Case study report - Child migration programmes

Public hearings - Child migration programmes

 

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