A shocking new report reveals that deadly Channel crossings have become even more dangerous for children and babies. According to French NGO Project Play, kids fleeing to the UK face teargas, rubber bullets, and even knives used to slash dinghies.
Despite UK government funding, French police interventions have only increased risks. A 13-year-old witness asked, “I’m only a child. Why are you doing this? Alarmingly, 2024 saw the highest number of child deaths ever recorded. At least 15 children died during deadly Channel crossings, with three crushed in transit. Victims ranged from just three days old to 16 years.
Moreover, more children perished last year than in the previous four years combined. The report states, “The UK-France border is becoming an increasingly deadly space for children.” Many kids show severe trauma after police encounters. One Project Play worker described a three-year-old mimicking riot police with toy cars while screaming.
Katie Hall, an advocate, said, “France and the UK are failing to protect children’s rights while enforcing harmful policies.” Last year, French NGO Utopia 56 recorded 14,538 people in failed crossings, including 1,131 children. Unaccompanied minors, especially from Sudan, often risk suffocation or violence by hiding in lorries.
Meanwhile, the UK government’s small boats strategy has not stopped record crossings. Over 19,982 people arrived in the first half of 2025 a 40% increase from 2024. Project Play demands urgent action to end violence against children. Key recommendations include:
- Publishing transparent death toll data
- Stopping violent French police operations
- Halting UK funding for such interventions
- Creating safe asylum routes
The report honors children like Abadeh, Mohamed, and Roula, who died in 2024. Both the UK Home Office and French Interior Ministry declined to comment. Yet, as deadly Channel crossings persist, advocates warn that without change, more children will suffer.
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