A new report into Channel migrant child deaths has accused the UK and French governments of “catastrophic failures” after documenting the deaths of 22 children attempting to cross the English Channel over the past two years.
The findings come from Project Play, a non-governmental organisation that has worked with 2,192 children in northern France who hoped to reach the UK to claim asylum. The group says hostile border conditions, including repeated evictions, teargas use and the destruction of small boats, have placed vulnerable children at severe risk.
The report raises fresh questions about the effectiveness and humanitarian impact of current UK-France border policies.
Deaths in overcrowded boats
According to Project Play, 22 children have died while attempting the Channel crossing since 2023, including five in the past year alone. The organisation said all the deaths recorded in 2025 were caused by crushing or asphyxiation in overcrowded dinghies.
Among the youngest victims was eight-year-old Agdad Hilmi from Turkey, who died alongside her mother during a crossing attempt.
Aid workers say these incidents highlight the growing dangers faced by families who resort to small boats after failing to secure legal routes into the UK.
Claims of harsh policing tactics
The report documents what it describes as widespread mistreatment of children in camps and coastal areas of northern France. Project Play says families have been repeatedly exposed to teargas, forced evictions and the slashing of inflatable boats by French police.
Children interviewed by the NGO described traumatic encounters. One four-year-old reportedly said being teargassed felt “scary scary scary ouch”, while another child described the sensation in her eyes and lungs as “spicy”.
Medical concerns were also raised. The report states that children’s smaller respiratory systems make exposure to teargas particularly harmful. In one case, a young girl suffered chemical burns after dinghy fuel mixed with salt water came into contact with her skin.
The organisation said many children have developed a deep fear of police after witnessing officers confront their parents or dismantle camps.
Questions over UK funding
Since 2023, the UK government has provided £473m to France to strengthen border security in northern France. However, Project Play says there is limited public transparency over how the money is spent.
The NGO argues that UK taxpayers may be indirectly funding enforcement tactics that expose children to harm. It has called for a statutory inquiry into the bilateral border operation and urged ministers to expand safe and legal asylum routes.
Katie Hall, Project Play’s advocacy coordinator, said the situation represents a failure on both sides of the Channel.
“What we are seeing is a catastrophic failure… to ensure that children’s rights are protected,” she said, adding that rising investment in enforcement has coincided with increased violence and child fatalities.
Families pushed toward dangerous crossings
The report also highlights cases where families attempted to use legal pathways but were unsuccessful. Under the UK’s “one in, one out” scheme, some asylum seekers can enter legally in exchange for others being returned to France.
Project Play said several families were rejected due to documentation issues. In one case, a father whose children lacked the required paperwork attempted a boat crossing instead and was allegedly beaten by French police, suffering broken ribs.
Campaigners argue that limited legal routes are pushing families toward smugglers and dangerous sea journeys.
Government response
A Home Office spokesperson said the UK is working to stop criminal smuggling networks and reduce small boat crossings.
“We continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminal smugglers from exploiting vulnerable people,” the spokesperson said.
Officials added that joint work with France has prevented around 40,000 crossing attempts and pointed to wider reforms aimed at reducing illegal migration and increasing returns.
France’s interior ministry has been approached for comment.
Small boat crossings across the English Channel have become one of the most politically sensitive migration issues in the UK in recent years. Successive governments have increased funding and cooperation with France in an effort to deter crossings.
Human rights groups, however, have repeatedly warned that tougher enforcement without expanded legal pathways risks pushing migrants — including families with children — into more dangerous routes.
Project Play is planning vigils in London, Leeds and Manchester to commemorate the 22 children who have died. At each event, organisers say one toy will be placed for every child lost during Channel crossings.