London father appeals Peru ruling over son’s return after delays

Asim Hanif, a father from west London, says he fears he may never see his six-year-old son Aidan again after the boy’s mother did not return with him from a family visit to Peru in March 2024. A Peruvian judge accepted that Aidan was wrongfully kept there and that his habitual residence was the UK, but rejected Hanif’s return application because of the time that had passed.

Hanif is appealing and expects a decision within weeks; he has travelled to Peru seven times and recently saw Aidan during brief, court-supervised visits. He began proceedings under the Hague Convention in July 2024, but the case was not heard until April this year. He is calling for more legal options for parents whose children are taken abroad without their consent.