Garang, an 18-year-old refugee, finds himself among countless others who have recently faced aggression from French riot police while attempting to board small boats destined for the UK. His plight is a consequence of the ongoing conflict in his native South Sudan, which has now extended to the shores of France.
In an effort to connect with his family, who have been forced to flee their home, Garang borrows phones from others who have available credit. Unfortunately, his limited weekly allowance of £10 from the Home Office restricts his ability to make international calls. His primary desire is to hear his mother’s voice and reassure her of his safety in the UK despite the violence he has endured.
During recent discussions, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of preventing individuals like Garang from reaching the UK via small boats. The leaders expressed confidence in their progress towards reducing small boat crossings in the English Channel, acknowledging the need for further action.
The question remains: how far will the measures against refugees go? In addition to employing tear gas and physical force, authorities have introduced surveillance drones and increased the presence of French officers to monitor dinghy launches along the coast. The UK government has begun to adopt military language, using terms such as “surge” and “neutralise” concerning small boat crossings. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to maintain a “relentless” approach in this endeavor. Burnham articulated a desire to “prevent smugglers from exploiting vulnerable migrants,” yet did not mention any alternatives for these individuals in need.
A decade ago, when the UK government attempted to block lorry routes for migrants crossing from France, they did not anticipate that small boats would become the primary method of transit. This shift has led to a greater dependence on smuggling networks that have expanded both in size and profitability. The troubling images of overcrowded dinghies filled with people in bright life jackets against a serene backdrop have been seized upon by right-wing factions, fueling public anger. Many Britons mistakenly believe that most refugees are bypassing other countries to reach the UK. However, recent data shows a significant decline in irregular arrivals to Europe, with the UK ranking 16th per capita for asylum claims. Notably, many asylum seekers do not arrive by small boats; 41% were already in the UK with valid visas before applying for asylum, while 20% entered through other clandestine routes, such as lorries.
This year, the number of Channel crossings from France to the UK has decreased by over 40% compared to last year. Countries like Turkey and Iran host a significantly higher number of refugees.
Despite this, the UK government remains focused on its aggressive stance against refugees on the northern French beaches. According to Home Office statistics, the majority of individuals crossing in small boats originate from war-torn regions, including Eritreans fleeing military service, Afghans escaping Taliban rule, Iranians opposing their government, and Sudanese fleeing civil war. It is essential to understand that no one willingly boards a dangerous dinghy unless faced with dire circumstances.
Public discourse surrounding refugees has been tainted by figures like Nigel Farage and organizations like Reform UK, who have misrepresented the reality of those fleeing violence. The UK government has the opportunity to change the narrative. Instead of showcasing the militaristic measures employed against refugees who have suffered unimaginable trauma, officials could instead focus on restoring compassion for those seeking safety. By promoting safe migration routes and highlighting the relatively low numbers of refugees arriving in the UK, they can remind the public of the harrowing experiences these individuals have endured.
For Garang, the struggle to reach his mother continues, as he depends on South Sudan’s inadequate phone network. Recently, he managed to connect with his brother, but the call was interrupted before he could relay his message to their mother. Now that he knows she is alive, Garang remains determined to keep trying to contact her whenever he finds someone willing to lend him a phone. “All I want is to speak to my mum,” he says.
Written by Diane Taylor, who focuses on human rights, racism, and civil liberties.
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