Uk asylum seekers: over 50 young people have died, mostly by suicide

More than 50 young asylum seekers in the UK have died over the past decade, with the majority taking their own lives, according to a report.

Suicide accounted for 57% of deaths

The stark figures, compiled by the Da'aro Youth Project, reveal that between 2015 and 2024, 31 of the 54 deaths among children and young people who claimed asylum were due to suicide. Seven were homicides, eight fatal accidents, and six health-related issues. The causes of death for two individuals remain unknown.

The grim statistics show that the number of asylum seeker deaths has skyrocketed in recent years, with 44 of the fatalities occurring since 2020. The highest single year for deaths was 2024, with seven suicides and seven other deaths.

The report's author, Benny Hunter, co-founder of Da'aro Youth Project, said the data highlights the dire situation facing young asylum seekers in the UK.