Death of 31 asylum seekers in the English Channel in front of human rights activists.
European media reported that 31 asylum seekers died after their boat capsized while crossing the English Channel from France to Britain, the worst recorded disaster for migrants in the waters between the two countries.
Despite European countries claiming to protect human rights, the plight of asylum seekers seeking to escape and enter European-made crises continues.
Reuters reported on Wednesday evening that 31 asylum seekers died after their boat capsized while crossing the English Channel from France to Britain, the worst recorded disaster for migrants in the waters between the two countries.
The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world with strong currents. Boats full of cargo often float with difficulty and are exposed to waves as they try to reach the shores of England.
According to the report, French Interior Minister Gerald Darwin – who claims to be the cradle of human rights and UN law – said the boat had 34 people on board, one of whom was a civilian, two rescued and one still missing.
“It is a tragedy for France, for Europe, for humanity to see these people, who are moving in the hope of smugglers, perishing at sea,” Darwin said of purging France and washing the hands of the Paris government of the blood of these asylum seekers.
“My thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families, but the tragedy shows that “How dangerous it is to cross the English Channel this way.”
According to Reuters, although Paris and London blamed the smugglers, a number of French politicians, including Calais Mayor Natasha Bouchart, blamed the British government for the change and said they needed to change their immigration policies.
