A damning report by Project Play, an NGO dedicated to assisting children seeking asylum, has unveiled the harrowing conditions faced by migrants in northern France. The findings indicate that the deaths of 22 children in the English Channel over the past two years are a direct result of “catastrophic failures” by both the UK and French governments. The organisation’s work with nearly 2,200 minors highlights a pattern of violence and neglect, raising urgent questions about the treatment of vulnerable families trying to reach the UK.
Child Fatalities Underline Systemic Failures
The report outlines a grim reality in which many families, including young children, attempt perilous crossings in overcrowded dinghies. In 2025 alone, five children lost their lives, with causes of death attributed to crushing or asphyxiation in these unsafe vessels. One of the youngest victims was eight-year-old Agdad Hilmi from Turkey, who tragically died alongside her mother.
Project Play’s investigation sheds light on the broader context of these tragedies, linking them to the ongoing mistreatment faced by migrants in France. The NGO documented incidents of teargassing, evictions, and even the deliberate slashing of dinghies by French police, actions that create a hostile environment for those seeking safety.
Financial Support and Accountability
Since 2023, the UK government has allocated £473 million to France for border security measures, yet the specific utilisation of these funds remains opaque. Project Play argues that British taxpayers are unknowingly financing policies that contribute to violence against children. The report advocates for a comprehensive inquiry into the security operations at the UK-France border and calls for the establishment of safe and accessible asylum routes.
Families attempting to arrive in the UK through legal means have often faced obstacles, with many applications under the “one in one out” scheme being turned down. In one distressing case, a father was denied entry because his two young children lacked appropriate documentation. This left them no choice but to attempt a crossing by small boat, leading to a violent encounter with police on the beach that resulted in the father sustaining multiple rib fractures.
The Human Cost of Border Policies
Accounts from children provide a shocking perspective on the traumatic experiences they endure. A four-year-old girl described the pain of being teargassed, stating simply, “scary scary scary ouch.” Another child compared the sensation of teargas in her mouth and lungs to something “spicy,” while one girl suffered chemical burns from dinghy fuel mixed with seawater.
The report also reveals how fear of law enforcement has permeated the lives of these children. Many have resorted to playing games that mimic police encounters, reflecting the trauma they have experienced. One child even fashioned a makeshift siren from a toy to pretend to “arrest” a play-worker, highlighting the psychological impact of their reality.
Katie Hall, advocacy coordinator for Project Play, emphasised the shared responsibility of both the UK and France in this crisis. “What we are seeing is a catastrophic failure on both sides of the Channel to ensure that children’s rights are protected,” she stated. Hall pointed out that the significant financial investment by the UK has coincided with an alarming rise in violence and fatalities among children.
Vigils to Remember Lost Lives
In a poignant response to the report, Project Play is organising vigils across the UK this weekend to honour the 22 children who have died while attempting to cross the Channel. Each vigil will feature a toy representing each child, and attendees will observe a moment of silence to reflect on the tragic losses. The vigils are set to take place in London and Leeds on Saturday, with an additional event in Manchester on Sunday.
Both the Home Office and the French Ministry of the Interior have been contacted for comment regarding these alarming findings.
Why it Matters
The revelations made by Project Play serve as a clarion call for urgent action to address the failures in the asylum system affecting some of the world’s most vulnerable individuals. The tragic loss of young lives not only reflects a humanitarian crisis but also challenges the moral fabric of our societies. It is imperative that both governments take immediate steps to protect the rights of children and ensure safe passage for those in search of refuge. As the debate around immigration continues, the voices of these children must not be silenced.
