September 18th 2024.
An old photo captured the heart-wrenching image of asylum seekers braving the treacherous waters of the English Channel. This week, Keir Starmer, a prominent figure in British politics, chose to spend his day in the company of Italy's far-right leader, exchanging smiles and discussing migration strategies. However, I couldn't help but think that he would have gained more insight by spending time with our dedicated volunteers here in Calais, where I am stationed, and speaking to the real experts on migration – the ones who are living it every day.
If only our Prime Minister had joined us on the ground here, he would have had the opportunity to meet survivors of the recent tragedy that took place in the English Channel, just 24 hours before his visit to Italy. Eight precious lives were lost in their attempt to reach England. Had he chosen to visit the refugees in Calais, Starmer would have heard firsthand accounts from those who were rescued during this heartbreaking incident. He would have listened to the stories of men, women, and children who witnessed the death of their loved ones in the unforgiving waters of the Channel.
One particular man shared his harrowing experience of losing his friend, with whom he had travelled all the way from Sudan, in the midst of the chaotic rescue. Both of them had left their war-torn homeland months ago, hoping to find safety in a new land. Little did they know that their journey would end in tragedy. The survivor was consumed by guilt, knowing that he was the one who survived, while his friend did not.
These are the conversations that I have every day with the resilient refugee communities here in Calais. For the past three years, I have been working with Care4Calais, a refugee charity that provides humanitarian aid to refugees in the UK and France. I have listened to their stories and their struggles, and it breaks my heart to see them faced with the most difficult decision – to risk their lives crossing the busiest shipping lane in the world, or to face imprisonment, torture, or even death in their own countries.
Every person I have met here has expressed that if there was any other option, they would not get into a boat. But they had no choice. They were forced to leave their homes, leaving behind their families, friends, and belongings. Each person I have met is so much more than their current situation and their journey for safety. They are human beings, not just statistics.
I have spoken to two individuals who were on the boat when the eight migrants tragically lost their lives. They asked me why there were no safe routes for them to reach the UK. Both of them dreamed of being reunited with their families, but their homes were destroyed, and they faced harassment in every country they arrived in. And now, they have experienced the unimaginable – losing their friends just 30 miles away from the UK. Heartbreakingly, they told me that they had no choice but to try and make the journey again.
If our political leaders were to spend just one day speaking to the refugee communities in Calais, they would understand why their harsh deterrents do not make any difference. The constant aggressive police evictions of the camps only push these vulnerable people towards taking more dangerous risks. This approach is not protecting anyone; it is costing lives.
Eight more lives were lost in the recent tragedy, and just two weeks ago, 12 people, including a pregnant woman and children, died in similar circumstances. These deaths could have been prevented. And I firmly believe that they would not have happened if our leaders acted with even a shred of compassion and humanity.
Here in Calais, we are a community where grief has become a daily occurrence. It is not normal to have a vigil every other day, but it has become the norm for us. The sadness and anger that we feel are what drives us to continue our work.
No one chooses to risk their lives crossing the English Channel in a small boat. It is their last resort. The previous UK government closed all safe routes for people to claim asylum before arriving. If, for example, you are fleeing war in Sudan or trouble in Eritrea, there is no way for you to seek asylum without physically being in the UK. This is what has led to the increase in Channel crossings. And it is the human beings, who have already survived unimaginable horrors, that are losing their lives in the process.
If Keir Starmer continues to dehumanize refugees, more lives will be lost. The solution is simple – introduce safe routes. When Russia invaded Ukraine two and a half years ago, our team in Calais supported Ukrainian refugees who were arriving in the hope of seeking safety in the UK. The UK government quickly created the Ukrainian visa scheme, and almost overnight, the Ukrainian refugee community in Calais disappeared. They now had the option to apply for a travel visa, and they no longer had to risk their lives crossing the Channel with smugglers.
If our new government wants to truly tackle the issue of Channel crossings and prevent more tragic deaths, they need to provide the same safe routes for people fleeing other war-torn countries. The choice is in their hands. It is time for our leaders to act with compassion and humanity. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch with us. And let's continue to have these important conversations.
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