THE Rwanda deal is triggering a deterioration in child refugees’ mental health, therapists warned today, following reports of terrified minors self-harming over fears of being deported. 

As ministers push ahead with plans to send vulnerable men and women on a one-way ticket to Rwanda, charities are growing increasingly concerned about the psychological impact of the deal on all asylum-seekers and refugees in Britain, especially lone minors. 

The Refugee Council, which runs a therapy service for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, has reported cases of children disappearing from hotels, and even reports of self-harm.