Every day, men, women, and families are forced to make a gut-wrenching decision—abandoning their homes to escape war, persecution and human rights abuses. Surviving such suffering should be their only concern, not the uncertainty of whether they will reach their destination alive.
But because of the UK’s broken refugee system, this uncertainty is the grim reality for many people crossing the Channel. Years of deterrence tactics have not only proven ineffective, but they also came at an incredible human cost.
Since 2019, at least 70 people, including lone children, have died attempting to cross the Channel, according to official figures. It’s likely more are still missing. No one should pay the ultimate price simply for needing somewhere safe to rebuild their lives or wanting to hold their family again. But the lack of safe routes only pushes refugees onto deadly journeys.
It's time to face the truth: only smugglers benefit from the lack of safe routes – not the UK public, and certainly not refugees. With a new government in power, we finally have a chance to put humanity before politics. But we need your help.
Add your name to protect refugees’ lives.
We are calling on the new government to urgently establish new safe routes – the only way to prevent more precious lives being lost in the Channel and dismantle the smuggling networks at their core.
We’re asking them to:
· Allow refugees to come to the UK safely, through an emergency scheme for those already in Europe who are fleeing conflict and crisis, and a refugee visa pilot for those outside of Europe who are fleeing persecution.
· Fix existing schemes used to reunite families, ensuring that no more children are abandoned in camps and shelters, away from their loved ones.
· Protect everyone’s universal right to seek safety by scrapping cruel and unworkable anti-refugees policies, like the Refugee Ban Act.
· Agree a new framework with the EU and European countries for a smarter, cross-border response to Channel crossings.
Together, we will show the Government what the UK really stands for: justice and solidarity.
Why we need safe routes: Abdul* and Isan*’s story
Abdul* and Isan*, two Afghan brothers, escaped the chaos and brutality of the Taliban's takeover, with a plan to reunite with their uncle in the UK, where they could rebuild their lives in safety.
After a long and terrifying journey, the brothers were found alone in a train in Southern Europe and brought to a shelter nearby. What followed was months of waiting, stranded away from their family and enduring profound emotional distress – a far cry from the nurturing environment than any child deserves.
Safe Passage lawyers tirelessly advocated for UK authorities to urgently grant them entry to the country. But, eventually, the brothers and their uncle received the devastating news that the Home Office had rejected their application, shattering their hopes of finding refuge in the UK and escaping the horrors they had endured.
Left with no alternative, they turned to smugglers to help them cross the Channel. Thankfully, they survived this perilous journey, but under current laws, Abdul and Isan remain at risk of deportation and being denied vital support.
Unfortunately, stories like Abdul and Isan’s are all too common. Countless children, young adults and families, will continue to risk their lives until the government establishes safe routes to sanctuary. Add your name to protect refugees’ lives. Add your name to protect refugees’ lives.
*Names changed to protect their identity.
Our new report, Routes to safety: a new approach to people crossing the Channel, makes an evidence-based case for a competent and compassionate alternative to current failed policies, and calls on the UK government to change course. We recommend three priorities:
Ruin smugglers deadly trade by establishing safe routes for those seeking safety in the UK.
Renew Britain's commitment to international cooperation.
Restore the right to seek asylum and rebuild our asylum system.
