A recent report from the NGO Project Play highlights a devastating truth: the deaths of 22 children attempting to cross the English Channel over the past two years are the result of significant government failings in both the UK and France. The findings underscore not only the perilous conditions faced by migrant children in northern France but also the troubling implications of UK taxpayer funding aimed at border security.
Documenting the Crisis
In the span of just two years, Project Play has engaged with 2,192 children seeking asylum by attempting to cross the Channel. The report details a grim reality where these young migrants are subjected to violent and aggressive tactics employed by French police, including regular instances of teargassing, forced evictions, and the deliberate slashing of their dinghies. Tragically, five children lost their lives in 2025 alone, primarily due to crushing or asphyxiation in overcrowded vessels. Among them was eight-year-old Agdad Hilmi from Turkey, who perished alongside her mother.
Despite the alarming statistics, the precise allocation of the £473 million provided by the UK to bolster French border security remains opaque. Project Play’s representatives argue that many taxpayers are unaware that their contributions may inadvertently support violent measures against vulnerable children. The report calls for a thorough statutory investigation into these border operations and advocates for the establishment of safe, accessible pathways for those seeking asylum in the UK.
Legal and Bureaucratic Barriers
The report also sheds light on the bureaucratic hurdles faced by families attempting to enter the UK legally. Under the controversial “one in one out” scheme, families often find their applications denied due to a lack of necessary documentation for their children. One father, whose children were aged six and one, was turned away, prompting the family to resort to perilous boat journeys. Disturbingly, the father was reportedly assaulted by French police on the beach, resulting in several broken ribs.
The psychological toll on children is alarming. One four-year-old girl recounted her experience with teargas, describing it as “scary scary scary ouch.” Another child expressed the discomfort of teargas affecting her mouth, eyes, and lungs, characterising the sensation as “spicy.” For these children, the trauma of exposure to such violence has created an environment of fear and distress, leading them to play games that mimic police interactions, reflecting their lived realities.
The Call for Change
Katie Hall, advocacy coordinator for Project Play, articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “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 that while these events unfold in France, the UK bears substantial responsibility for the escalating violence, as the significant financial investment has coincided with a rise in child fatalities.
In remembrance of the 22 children who have lost their lives, Project Play is organising vigils in London and Leeds, with an additional event in Manchester. Each vigil will feature a toy placed for every child who perished, inviting attendees to observe a poignant two-minute silence.
Why it Matters
The findings of Project Play’s report illuminate a heartbreaking intersection of policy and human suffering. As the UK and French governments grapple with immigration and border security, the plight of vulnerable children caught in this crisis cannot be overlooked. The reported fatalities and violence serve as a chilling reminder of the urgent need for reform in both policy and practice. The voices of these children, silenced by tragedy, demand a commitment to their safety and rights—an obligation that transcends borders and calls for immediate action from both governments.
