Lord Alf Dubs, himself a former child refugee, has previously called on the Crown Dependencies to share the UK’s responsibility in providing homes for unaccompanied children.
He will be speaking at a free public event at Hautlieu School later this month.
Lord Dubs fled his native Prague to travel to London at the age of six in March 1939, shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War.
He became an MP for Battersea in 1979 and went on to lead the UK government’s refugee council from 1988 to 1995.
He said: ‘It’s fantastic to see the people of Jersey show concern for the welfare of child refugees. It’s very important to address people’s concerns about the challenges involved in welcoming refugees, but I know from personal experience that these children can make truly positive contributions to their new homes.
‘Right now, there are children surviving in camps and on the streets in Europe – some in situations so appalling they are attempting suicide.
‘By committing to welcome some children, Jersey will have a life-changing impact on these young lives.
‘In the spirit of international co-operation, I am hoping that Islanders will agree that the community is ready to help.
‘The Island could set a leading example, doing its bit for these incredibly vulnerable children and giving them a chance to rebuild their childhood.’
The event is being organised by Jersey Care: Refugee Aid Group and is being held on Thursday 21 March at 7.15pm.
Lord Dubs will be speaking alongside representatives from the charity Safe Passage UK.
Laura Ridley, chairwoman of JCRAG, said: ‘JCRAG fully believes that the Island should offer sanctuary to a small number of unaccompanied refugee children.
‘However, we also acknowledge that many Islanders have questions about how such a scheme would work and concerns over the ability of Jersey to accommodate these children and to offer them all of the support that they may need.’
Tickets for the event can be reserved through eventbrite.co.uk or on the JCRAG Facebook page.
