Six months ago, David was among a group like this. He is 17 and from Eritrea.
\nWhen asked to explain why he came to Europe, he told me:
\n\u201cThere wasn\u2019t a choice. A life of slavery in the military. A life locked away underground and tortured because I don\u2019t choose military conscription. A life with no hope and hand-outs in a [refugee] camp.
\n\u201cOr maybe I survive the journey to Europe and have the chance of a life. What choice?\u201d
\nAnd David\u2019s story is not unique.<\/p>\n
\u2018Crimes against humanity\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n While many conflicts and issues receive high levels of media coverage, others remain hidden from sight. Twelve dead this year Children needing care<\/strong><\/p>\n People are risking these journeys as UK immigration law makes it near impossible for most non-nationals to enter the country without obtaining a visa in advance. You can also claim asylum in a country only when you are inside its borders \u2013 and the system is becoming increasingly difficult. Uncertain future<\/strong><\/p>\n Many of these young men will go on to gain refugee status, due to the clear persecution they face. They will remain in the UK, where they can build new lives and make positive contributions to society. <\/p>\n Names have been changed.<\/em><\/p>\n ….<\/p>\n Source: \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The migrant camps in Calais are all over the news. But what happens to the people who make it to the UK after that dangerous trip \u2013 strapped to a speeding train or stuck in the rumbling dark of a lorry? Rhys Cutler works in our refugee service in Kent \u2013 and has heard some …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6122,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3,1],"tags":[53],"yoast_head":"\n
\nDid you know that more Eritreans claimed asylum in the UK last year, than from any other country in the world?
\nEveryone in Eritrea must complete their final year of high school in military conscription. However, in practice, most will spend their entire working lives in national service, where the UN says \u201cslavery-like practices are routine\u201d.
\nThe UN goes on to write, in the 2015 report, that \u201cthe violations in the areas of extrajudicial executions, torture (including sexual torture), national service and forced labour may constitute crimes against humanity.\u201d
\nIt is perhaps unsurprising that an estimated 7,000 people flee Eritrea on a monthly basis.
\nAnd many are as young as David.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Today, there is unprecedented conflict in the world. According to UNHCR estimates, this has led to around 60 million people having to flee their homes globally.
\nThe majority of people seek sanctuary in neighbouring countries \u2013 but some do attempt the dangerous journey through Libya. From there, they face the perilous sailing across the Mediterranean; a journey that claims thousands of lives a year.
\nFor the small number who come as far as Calais, they face months \u2013 if not years \u2013 sheltering from the elements under donated blankets in makeshift cardboard communities.
\nThese vulnerable people are then forced to risk their lives inside refrigerated vehicles, holding on to the underside of lorries, or jumping on to moving trains.
\nMeanwhile, 12 people have died on this stage of the journey this year \u2013 and countless others injured.<\/p>\n
\nOnce in the country, other issues arise. Recently, Kent county council highlighted how the number of children in their care has almost doubled since March \u2013 and appealed for assistance from the Home Office.
\nIt is imperative that any solutions are in the best interests of these highly vulnerable young people.
\nWhile this happens, the Red Cross and other organisations in the sector will continue to offer support \u2013 just like we did the other week.<\/p>\n
\nBut if their claims are refused, the future is worrying.
\nThe UN says that Eritreans who flee their country without permission are regarded as \u201ctraitors\u201d. They are put in prison and \u201csystematically ill-treated to the point of torture\u201d.
\nThis is the tragic end to escape routes \u2013 sometimes years-long \u2013 across deserts, war zones and dangerous seas.
\nBut as David said \u2013 \u201cWhat choice?\u201d<\/p>\n![\"British](\"http:\/\/blogs.redcross.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/grido\/themify\/img.php?src=http:\/\/blogs.redcross.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/grido\/uploads\/logo\/logo.jpg&w=237&h=50\"){kind=logo}
<\/p>\n