Human rights organisations say the UK’s hardline policy aimed at stopping asylum seekers from crossing the Channel in small boats has increased violence, deaths and smuggler activity rather than deterring arrivals.
A new 176-page report by Humans for Rights Network, produced with 17 rights groups in France and six in the UK, documents the growing dangers faced by migrants in northern France.
The report includes testimonies from asylum seekers and medical professionals, describing the use of rubber bullets, teargas and frequent evictions by French police actions partly funded by hundreds of millions of pounds from the UK.
Despite heavy spending, small boat arrivals remain high, with more than 39,000 people crossing so far this year.
Rights groups say enforcement measures have strengthened smuggling gangs, who have become more violent and influential. The report records rising abuse by smugglers including shootings around migrant camps and worsening living conditions that have led to severe injuries and health complications.
Human Rights Observers documented 28 violent police operations in 2024 and more than 800 camp evictions affecting over 16,000 people. Utopia 56 also reported hundreds of cases of police violence in northern France. Meanwhile, 89 people died attempting the crossing in 2024.
The report calls for a statutory inquiry into rising deaths and violence, and urges both governments to create safe migration routes. It argues that heightened security does not deter crossings but instead makes them deadlier.
The UK Home Office declined to address the findings directly but said the number of crossings is shameful and insisted that joint work with France has prevented thousands of attempts.
