About Safe Passage international
What we stand for
We believe that everyone has the right to be safe and with those they love.
We use the power of the law to help families torn apart by war and persecution reunite. We provide essential legal advice and representation to child refugees and their loved ones, helping them access safe routes and avoid dangerous journeys.
Our work doesn't end when a family is reunited. We provide long-term social support to help them heal, rebuild and thrive in their new lives. And we campaign alongside refugees themselves to secure safe routes and protection for all.
We’re right where child refugees need us most.
Click the interactive map to learn more.
Direct support for refugees
Our expert teams of lawyers and caseworkers in the UK, France and Greece legally represent and support families through lengthy, complex family reunion procedures — often while their loved ones wait in refugee camps or war zones.
Campaigning for refugee rights
We lead the fight for safe routes across Europe, drawing on the experiences of our clients to advocate for lasting change. We work alongside people on the move, pushing for the dignity, security and rights they deserve as they seek a place to rebuild their lives with their loved ones.
Centring lived experience
People with lived experience of forced displacement are actively involved at every level of our work — from campaigning with us through the Young Leaders programme, to influencing decision-making as Expert by Experience consultants. This ensures our work truly serves the people it's meant for.
Our approach
Our history
2015: A crisis and a response
Our organisation was founded in response to the humanitarian crisis that saw thousands of refugees risk and lose their lives taking dangerous journeys to reach protection in Europe.
It began when a small group of volunteers from Citizens UK visited Calais refugee camp in northern France. Amidst difficult camp conditions, they met unaccompanied refugee children living alone.
When they asked why they were there, the answer was often simple: they had relatives in the UK and were trying to reach them. Most were unaware they had the legal right to join their family safely, without needing to cross the Channel.
2016: The first reunions
Recognising the urgency, the team partnered with legal organisations to reunite these children with their families through safe, legal pathways.
In January 2016, after 1,400 pro bono legal hours, the first three boys and one dependent older brother from Syria were successfully reunited with their families from Calais via the Dublin III regulation — a vital protection since lost as a result of Brexit.
This paved the way for thousands more unaccompanied refugee children to safely reunite with their families in the UK.
refugee children separated from their families by war and persecution.
2018: Becoming independent
To expand our work, we became an independent charity and formally de-merged from Citizens UK.
Today: Three countries, one mission
We now have offices in London, Paris and Athens, delivering legal advice and representation to refugee children separated from their families by war and persecution. To date, we’ve helped over 3,500 children reach safety and reunite with family across Europe.
Get in touch
Phone: +44 7928741723 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Email: info@safepassage.org.uk
For media enquiries please email claudine@safepassage.org.uk or contact her on: +447517805753
If you can’t find what you are looking for on our About us page and FAQs please get in touch using this form.