Friday, November 24, 2023, marked the solemn two-year anniversary of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 27 people in the icy waters of the English Channel.
The victims, attempting to cross the Channel on an inflatable watercraft, faced a grim fate as the dinghy capsized off the coast of Kent. As the International Organisation for Migration began collecting data in 2014, this incident stands out as the largest loss of life in the Channel, as reported by Left Foot Forward.
Two years later, the families of the victims are still grappling with unanswered questions, prompting them to issue an open letter demanding justice.
Coordinated by a coalition of refugee charities, including Freedom from Torture, Care4Calais, Refugee Action, Calais Appeal, the Refugee Council, the Scottish Refugee Council, and Safe Passage, the letter highlights the families’ frustration with the lack of explanation from British and French authorities regarding their failure to assist the distressed individuals onboard the sinking dinghy.
Families of English Channel Tragedy Victims Demand Justice and Safe Routes for Refugees. Photo: Shutterstock.
The open letter emphasizes, “We demand justice and change. We long for people seeking safety on British shores to be seen as human beings, deserving of rights, compassion, and dignity.” It goes on to assert that such tragedies stem from the dehumanization perpetuated by politicians, emphasizing the need for a shift in perspective.
The families and supporting charities are advocating for the establishment of safe routes for all refugees seeking entry into Britain, coupled with improvements to family reunion and refugee schemes. According to the letter, this is the only viable way to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring in the future.
Steve Smith, the chief executive of Care4Calais, underscored the lack of accountability for the failure of UK authorities to respond to the distress calls from those on board the ill-fated boat. “Justice will not be served until the families have answers, the people responsible are held accountable, and our government starts valuing the lives of refugees by providing safe passage,” he asserted.
A significant development occurred on November 9, 2023, when the Marine Accident Investigation Branch published a report unveiling the full story behind the tragedy. In response to the findings, Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced the initiation of an independent, non-statutory inquiry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
As the families continue their quest for justice and accountability, the call for a reevaluation of the asylum system and a more compassionate approach towards refugees resonates. The tragic events of November 24, 2021, serve as a poignant reminder that justice must prevail, answers must be provided, and measures must be implemented to ensure the safety and dignity of those seeking refuge on British shores.
