国际英语资讯:UK politician calls for answers on use of child spies_时事

国际英语资讯:UK politician calls for answers on use of child spies

A recent rule change now allows public authorities to use juveniles aged under 18 for four months, rather than the one-month limit originally permitted.

Harman said the recent changes came after consultation with intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

"Whilst these practitioners do have experience of considering the welfare of child CHIS, their primary objective is to tackle crime, hence presenting a potential conflict of interest. The consultation does not seem to have heard from external experts in child welfare, or indeed from children," she said.

Harman added: "We have been told that in dangerous assignments relating to terrorism, drugs, and child sexual exploitation, there is inevitably a risk to the physical and mental welfare of the child.

"Physical harm may result from being in a violent environment, or from punishment if discovered to be working covertly. Mental harm, which can be more pronounced because children's minds are still developing, may result from, for example, exposure to damaging behaviors, the pressures of having to 'live a lie', and the imbalance of power between the child and their handler."

In a statement Thursday, the committee said it wants the Home Office to explain how the regime adheres to Article 3 of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration.

"MPs and Peers (House of Lords members) are pressing for more information on what assessments are made in considering both the risks to and the welfare of the children, and what support and advice they are given before, during and after the process," the statement added.