A 13-year-old boy has filed a lawsuit against his UK-based parents, accusing them of emotional and physical neglect after they sent him to a boarding school in Africa without his consent.
The boy, whose identity remains undisclosed, contacted the British Consulate and a child welfare organization after his parents returned to the UK, leaving him behind.
His legal team, led by Deirdre Fottrell KC, argued that the abrupt relocation, carried out under the guise of visiting a sick relative, has caused him severe emotional and psychological distress.
In court on November 26, his lawyers described the boarding school as providing substandard living conditions, including inadequate food and education.
The boy claims he feels humiliated and isolated, facing ridicule from peers in the UK who refer to his relocation as a "deportation."
His parents, however, defended their decision, citing concerns about his alleged risky behavior in London.
Represented by Rebecca Foulkes, the parents claimed he had been staying out late, displaying aggression, and keeping photos of knives on his phone.
They argued that the move to the African school was an attempt to provide a safe, structured environment away from potential gang influences.
The case has sparked debate over the balance between parental authority and children’s rights.
Presiding judge Mr. Justice Hayden acknowledged the tension between the parents’ restrictive measures and the boy’s well-being, emphasizing the need to weigh the impact of such decisions on his mental health.
The outcome of the case could set a significant precedent for cases involving international child welfare and parental responsibility.