UK Government's 2010 Apology to Former Child Migrants

In 2010, at a poignant and historic event, the UK Government formally apologised to thousands of former child migrants who were sent to distant parts of the Commonwealth.

The apology, delivered on February 24, 2010, by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown, marked a significant acknowledgment of the suffering experienced by approximately 130,000 children who were forcibly shipped away from Britain, most recently to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Rhodesia, from the 1870s until 1970.

Preview image for UK Government's 2010 Apology to Former Child Migrants

Tony Costa's story

Now is an important time for former Child Migrants. They want a commitment from the new Government in the UK to stand by the Apology. Here is one story which explains why.

Preview image for Latest Child Migrant News – Sept 2024

Latest Child Migrant News – Sept 2024

The latest edition of Child Migrant News is out and on its way to subscribers. View the cover here.

What we do

The Child Migrants Trust supports former child migrants and their families in several ways. For more details on our services, please get in touch.

Restoration of Family and Identity

Learn about rebuilding hope and family relationships fractured by decades of separation through child migration.

Recovering from childhood institutional harm

Professional help to address the lifelong pain of stolen childhoods and betrayal of trust.

Advocacy

CMT is the only independent, professional organisation working with former child migrants from all migrating agency backgrounds. Our work alerts governments to the urgent unmet needs and unresolved issues.

Lessons learned, community and professional education

Our publications, work with the media and information for students and professionals.

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International Association of former Child Migrants and their Families

The International Association of former Child Migrants and their Families – run by and for former child migrants – represents the views and interests of Britain's former Child Migrants.
International Association of former Child Migrants and their Families