Research into the needs of lone asylum seeking and refugee children must be sensitive and appropriate to avoid causing more harm to a vulnerable population

The rise in the refugee and asylum seeking populations in the United Kingdom has led to increased research and debate about their health and social needs. Although more information is needed, concerns exist that some researchers may be unaware of the complex issues inherent in conducting research with such groups. Language, culture, religion, social norms, and experiences of oppression may make it difficult to obtain truly informed and voluntary consent or truly accurate responses to research questions. In addition, refugees may be stigmatised or risk reprisal merely by entering a study.1 These concerns are magnified for young people who are refugees or seeking asylum, particularly those who arrive in the United Kingdom alone. We have drawn on our experience working with unaccompanied children who are seeking asylum to suggest guidelines for researchers.