The English Channel has been the site of tragedy once again as five migrants, including a child, lost their lives in a harrowing attempt to cross from France to England. The news is particularly poignant as it follows the passing of a contentious bill in the U.K., allowing the government to deport some migrants who enter the country illegally to Rwanda.
The heartbreaking deaths occurred when an overcrowded boat, carrying approximately 110 people, set out to navigate the bustling shipping lane. French rescue ships responded swiftly, rescuing 47 individuals, while another 57 chose to stay on board. The vessel had departed from Wimereux, southwest of France’s Calais, and the French coastguard is now engaged in a search for any potential survivors.
This tragic incident comes amidst the new legislation, originally proposed by Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson in April 2022 and a priority for Rishi Sunak’s government. The bill has sparked concern from human rights groups, with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees cautioning that the legislation could severely limit asylum-seekers’ rights to appeal deportation decisions.
While the U.K. government asserts that Rwanda is a safe haven for migrants, concerns remain prevalent. Yet, the U.K. has continued to support the bill, emphasizing that it is crucial in deterring migrants from embarking on perilous channel crossings. The government has cited a strengthened asylum system in Rwanda and the financial agreements between the two countries as evidence of the viability of the deportation strategy.
The post “Tragedy Strikes as U.K. Passes Controversial Rwanda Migrant Bill” first appeared on the Espana News Network.
European News Global 