Uk And Child Migrant Response
UK child migrants can seek reunion funds
AAP
Thousands of former British child migrants sent to Australia before 1970 are now eligible for UK funding towards the cost of reuniting with their families.
The funding covers the practical costs of travel and is available to any child migrant sent under school-leaving age from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Zimbabwe, then called Rhodesia.
The $10 million Family Restoration Fund was launched in the UK on Monday night.
Britain's High Commissioner to Australia, Valerie Amos, said the decision followed many years of struggle by former child migrants for recognition and acknowledgement.
"The fund has particular relevance in Australia, which is home to up to 10,000 former child migrants," she said in a statement.
Baroness Amos said she had the honour of meeting many of the migrants whose lives were blighted, and heard their personal stories.
"The fund, coming off the back of the (Forgotten Australians) apology and commemorative receptions, is another important milestone in recognising past injustices." .... Read more