A recent investigation by Project Play, an NGO dedicated to assisting unaccompanied minors, has unveiled a harrowing reality faced by young migrants attempting to cross the Channel from northern France to the UK. The report reveals that 22 children have tragically died in the past two years, with advocates attributing these fatalities to severe failures on the part of both the UK and French governments. The findings highlight not only the deaths but also the appalling conditions and violent treatment that vulnerable children endure in their pursuit of safety.
Disturbing Statistics and Documented Violence
Over the last two years, Project Play has worked with 2,192 children who are hoping to claim asylum in the UK. The report meticulously details the hostile circumstances these children encounter, exacerbated by regular acts of aggression from the French police, including teargassing, forced evictions, and the deliberate slashing of inflatable dinghies. In 2025 alone, five children lost their lives while attempting the perilous crossing, with causes of death attributed to overcrowding in dinghies leading to crushing and asphyxiation. Among the youngest victims was eight-year-old Agdad Hilmi from Turkey, who perished alongside her mother.
The report also criticises the UK’s financial contributions to French border security, which have totalled £473 million since 2023, claiming that taxpayers remain unaware of their funds being used to facilitate violence against children. Project Play is now calling for a formal inquiry into these operations, alongside the establishment of safer, more accessible routes for those seeking asylum.
Failed Asylum Applications and Desperate Choices
Many families have attempted to enter the UK legally through a “one in, one out” scheme, which allows for legal entry in exchange for the removal of someone who arrived via small boat. However, numerous applications have been denied. One father was refused because his two children, aged six and one, lacked the necessary documentation. This refusal pushed the family to risk a dangerous crossing by boat, culminating in a distressing encounter where the father was beaten by French police, resulting in multiple rib fractures.
The psychological toll on children is evident. A four-year-old girl recounted her experience of being teargassed, describing it as “scary scary scary ouch.” Another child expressed the sensation of teargas as “spicy,” highlighting the disproportionate impact on their smaller respiratory systems.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact
The report paints a bleak picture of the emotional and psychological consequences these children face. Many have developed an ingrained fear of law enforcement, stemming from witnessing police brutality against their parents and the constant evictions from makeshift camps. Disturbingly, some children have resorted to play-acting scenarios in which they mimic police officers, reflecting their trauma. One child was even seen wearing a toy siren on his head as he pretended to “arrest” a play-worker.
Katie Hall, advocacy coordinator for Project Play, stated, “What we are seeing is a catastrophic failure on both sides of the Channel to ensure that children’s rights are protected. Every day, the children we work with face repeated violence – on the beaches, in living sites, and as a consequence of the basic services they are denied access to.” Hall emphasised the joint culpability of the UK in this humanitarian crisis, linking substantial financial investment to a surge in violence and record fatalities among children.
Vigils to Commemorate Lives Lost
In response to these findings, Project Play is organising vigils across several UK cities, including London, Leeds, and Manchester, to honour the 22 children who lost their lives in this crisis. Each vigil will feature the placement of one toy for each child, inviting supporters to observe a moment of silence as a mark of respect for their tragic loss.
The Home Office and France’s Ministry of the Interior have been contacted for comment regarding the report’s allegations and the ongoing situation at the border.
Why it Matters
The findings from Project Play underscore a profound humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and action from both the UK and French governments. The tragic deaths and suffering of these children are a stark reminder of the urgent need for a compassionate and effective response to migration that prioritises the safety and rights of the most vulnerable. As nations grapple with complex immigration issues, the wellbeing of children should be at the forefront of policy discussions to prevent further loss of life and uphold human dignity.
