12 refugees drown in Channel as calls for safe passage intensify

The tragic incident has intensified criticism of the border policies enforced by both Britain and France, which activists say are responsible for the ongoing loss of life.

The French maritime prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea confirmed that "all the people on board ended up in the water" when the boat broke up. Several survivors are reported to be in critical condition.

The French refugee support group Utopia 56 condemned the incident, stating, "The Ministry of the Interior and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin must be held responsible because of their arrogance, incompetence, and violence." The group’s comments reflect the growing frustration among activists and human rights organizations over the handling of refugee crossings.

The criticism extends across the Channel, with British political figures also facing blame. Stand Up To Racism, a UK-based organization, called on Labour leader Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to implement safe passage measures to prevent further loss of life. "Starmer must implement safe passage now to stop the preventable loss of life for those attempting to seek asylum," the group stated.

This latest incident adds to a growing death toll in the Channel. Last month, two refugees died attempting to make the crossing, bringing this year’s total to at least 25—already surpassing the fatalities recorded in 2022 and 2023. Refugees continue to face perilous conditions, including asphyxiation in overcrowded dinghies, being struck by vehicles near ferry ports, or freezing in refrigerated trucks.

Since 2018, the number of refugees drowning in the Channel has surged, with activists pointing to the increasingly restrictive border policies as a key factor. The tragic deaths of Dina and her family on the night of July 27-28, during their fifth attempt to cross the Channel, underscore the desperate situations many refugees face.

Critics argue that the current border policies amount to "an acceptance of mass slaughter," as the risks refugees face are deemed less significant than the deterrence such dangers are supposed to create. However, those fleeing poverty, oppression, state hostility, and climate disasters continue to risk their lives in the hope of reaching safety.

Activists warn that without significant changes to provide safe passage and asylum opportunities, more lives will be lost. The continuation of current policies, they argue, will only lead to more bodies being pulled from the water or washing ashore on the beaches of Europe. (ILKHA)