Refugees Drowned in English Channel Are Iranian
A news website reported that a woman, man, and three children who drowned in the waters of the English Channel are Iranian Kurds. Twenty-two other refugees who were on the boat have been rescued.
According to the news website “Hengaw,” the woman and man who died along with their three children while attempting to reach British soil are from the village of Gelineh, a suburb of Sardasht.
The news website also published the names and photos of the deceased.
French authorities confirmed on Tuesday, the sixth of Aban (October 27), the capsizing of a small boat carrying refugees and the death of four of its passengers in the English Channel. The family’s third child is missing.
It is said that a total of 27 people were on the boat. Some of the survivors are being treated in hospitals.
Several coast guard boats and a Belgian Army helicopter participated in the refugee rescue operation.
Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families.
Priti Patel, Britain’s Home Secretary, also expressed her sympathy for the victims’ families, saying she was deeply saddened by the news.
Patel stated that the incident once again highlighted the dangers of crossing the channel. She promised to make all efforts to prevent smugglers from exploiting refugees in need.
The English Channel (Manche) is a waterway located north of France and south of Britain, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea.
Increase in the Number of Refugees Crossing by Water
According to data from the PA Media news organization, more than 7,400 people crossed to Britain via the English Channel in small boats in the current year, which is approximately four times more than in 2019.
This year’s “record” was set when 416 refugees entered on September 2.
Official statistics show that from June 2019 to June 2020, more than 3,400 asylum seekers were under 17 years old. Of this number, nearly 2,800 were unaccompanied children.
The British government can return refugees coming from France to that country by invoking the Dublin Treaty.
According to this treaty, refugees who have entered Europe are only permitted to apply for asylum at their point of entry into European territory.
Source: DW
