Racism hampers youth work with separated children

MANY youth organisations are afraid to help separated children who are seeking asylum in Ireland, because of racist attitudes among local young people.

A report published yesterday found 1,213 unaccompanied children have sought asylum here between 1998 and 2002. The minors, mainly aged 16-18, arrive in Ireland on their own without parents or guardians.

The report, by the National Youth Council of Ireland, called for more programmes for these vulnerable people, but it pointed out that there were a number of obstacles, including: