Martin Downs in case where children were repatriated from North Africa to protect them from “punishment” and threats of forced marriage.
Judgment has been released in Re CQ, DQ & EQ (Children) [2018] EWHC 3979 a significant case where Interim Forced Marriage Prevention Orders were used to secure the repatriation of children to the UK from North Africa. At one stage the children had even fled to a British Embassy. The case was resolved in part because of collaborative working by the governments concerned, Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council.
Martin Downs acted for the City Council instructed by Natasha Watson of Orbis law. At an earlier stage in the High Court proceedings, Jacqueline Roach represented the father instructed by Claire Raitt of Fitzhugh Gates.
Martin Downs has been instructed in a series of cases in the last 12 months concerning Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation and Modern Slavery – all involving the Human Rights of the children or incapacitated adults concerned.