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November 29, 2021

Shipwreck Kills 27 Refugees in Largest Recorded Tragedy in English Channel
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27 refugees drowned in the English Channel last Wednesday in what the
International Organization for Migration said is the biggest loss of
life to occur in the maritime crossing between France and the U.K. since
the U.N. agency started collecting data in 2014. Three of the victims
were children. Vigils were held on both sides of the Channel.

Marwa Mezdour: "We can say this happened because of smugglers, but it's
the responsibility of these deadly migration policies above all, we see
this every day. What's happening is a policy of harassment, of tiring
them out, and really degrading, inhuman treatment of exiled persons, be
it in Calais, Grande Synthe, anywhere here in northern France."

The tragedy sparked tensions between France and Britain, with the U.K.
Home Secretary being shut out of a meeting among European officials
about the humanitarian crisis. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain
should turn away any refugees that do arrive on British shores from the
French port city of Calais.


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