Investigation reveals rising deaths among young asylum seekers in touch with a local authority, with young Eritreans disproportionately represented
An investigative report published last month by the Da'aro Youth Project has found that more than 50 unaccompanied young asylum seekers have died in the UK since 2015 whilst being cared for, or supported by, a local authority or health and social care trust.
The 25-page report can be downloaded here.
Its findings are based on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made to every local authority children's services department in England, Wales and Scotland, and every health and social care trust in Northern Ireland, seeking information on unaccompanied young people who were looked after children or former relevant children and who died between 2015 and 2024.
Following engagement with public bodies and the Information Commissioner's Office, "a final response was eventually received from every local authority and trust by the end of 2025," with 37 indicating they held relevant data. All but one local authority provided full statistical information, though the level of demographic detail varied, and the report notes that some data was inaccurate when compared with established information. Additional information was requested from the Department for Education and the Home Office, but the report states that some data was withheld or disputed, raising concerns about the completeness and accuracy of official records.
The research revealed that between 2015 and 2025, at least 54 unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people died whilst in touch with a local authority. A majority of the deaths (31) are attributed to suicide, with teenagers accounting for more than two-thirds of those deaths. The Da'aro Youth Project further notes that "Eritrean nationals were disproportionately represented, making up more than one half of all deaths by suicide." The second-leading cause of death identified was murder, accounting for 7 of the deaths.
The data shows that some local authorities experienced multiple deaths during the period studied. Kent County Council recorded four deaths by suicide among unaccompanied young adult care leavers and two deaths from other causes. The London Boroughs of Camden and Enfield each recorded three deaths involving Eritrean nationals, with Camden's cases all identified as suicides.
In addition to those in local authority care, the report examines deaths among young adult asylum seekers aged 18 to 24 who were not care leavers. It states that "between 2015 and 2024, the number of young adult asylum-seekers… who were not care leavers and who died is at least 26, of which at least 8 died by suicide." However, the report raises concerns about the reliability of Home Office data, noting instances where causes of death were listed as "No Information Held" and discrepancies with publicly reported cases.
Analysing its overall findings, the Da'aro Youth Project noted that deaths have risen in recent years at what appears to be at a greater rate than the increase in population size for unaccompanied young people supported by local authorities." It also notes that "unaccompanied young people appear to be more at risk of dying by suicide shortly after leaving care," with more 18- and 19-year-olds dying by suicide than any other age group.
The report highlights that any link between the deaths and a young people's experiences in the UK, including their interaction with the asylum system, remains uncertain. It states: "Additionally, we also do not know other relevant information about those young people who died by suicide, such as: their immigration status or time spent in the asylum system; their experience of being age disputed; their level of contact with the criminal justice system; their contact with mental health services; whether they were accommodated in foster care (or a staying put arrangement), supported accommodation or independently; and whether they had previously been referred to the National Referral Mechanism as a suspected victim of trafficking."
Eritrean unaccompanied young people appear to be more at risk of dying by suicide than other nationalities. The report found they accounted for more than half of deaths by suicide in the period 2015–2024, despite making up only 12.5% of asylum claims by unaccompanied children in the same period. Drawing on its experience as a charity founded by former Eritrean refugees, the Da'aro Youth Project says many young people from Eritrea "experience and witness acts of violence (including sexual violence)" and "serious deprivation" on their journeys, which "can leave lasting mental injury." It adds that challenges including "acculturation, language barriers and social and cultural isolation… as well as racism," combined with stigma around mental health, barriers within the asylum system, and the "cliff-edge of support at turning 18," can exacerbate stress, anxiety and post-traumatic stress, with some experiences "coalesce and lead to self-harming and suicidal ideation."
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Education, the Da'aro Youth Project expressed concerns over the lack of official action and transparency over the deaths. It stated: "Our research also finds that these deaths have resulted in only four case reviews, and no known prevention of future deaths reports that might follow an inquest. We are deeply concerned that inquests are occurring without local authority involvement, and therefore that the lives of these young people, and the care and support they were receiving, have received very little attention, investigation, or inquiry.
"There is a complete lack of transparency from the government about these deaths. The Department for Education and the Home Office have both withheld requested information – with the Home Office pursuing a number of appeals to the information tribunal.
"There has been no known attempt to review these deaths as a group and to understand whether there are commonalities, or patterns, or what lessons could be learned that might prevent other young people from dying by suicide after travelling to the UK in search of sanctuary."
The report calls for action from government and public bodies. It sets out recommendations including improved data collection, requirements for local authorities to provide evidence at inquests, the introduction of rapid reviews following deaths, and a national review of the cases identified. It also calls for strengthened rights and entitlements for unaccompanied young people and the implementation of a new safeguarding strategy.
Commenting on the report's findings, the head of the Da'aro Youth Project, Sarah Robson, said: "This is the first time this data has ever been compiled – and we find it to be very shocking. Unaccompanied young people, who have been forced to flee their homes and have come to the UK to find safety and sanctuary, are dying by suicide in great numbers." She added: "These young people are some of the most vulnerable young people in our society. They have been mistreated repeatedly by governments – with children treated as adults by the Home Office – and an asylum system that prioritises deterrence over sanctuary."