In a poignant humanitarian incident, the French authorities rescued 185 migrants within 24 hours as they attempted to cross the English Channel. This group faces great challenges on their journey towards hope and a new life. This operation demonstrated the extent of France’s commitment to protecting migrants and providing them with the necessary support, while the authorities continue to work to improve the security and humanitarian conditions in this region, which reflects the ongoing efforts to confront the migration crisis that affects many countries. European Union, and it is important to mention that these operations come within the framework of international cooperation to assist migrants and achieve maritime security.
185 migrants rescued in French waters
The French authorities announced today, Saturday, the rescue of 185 migrants on Friday and Saturday, as they attempted to cross French waters to reach England on irregular boats. These illegal attempts continue despite the increasing risks, highlighting the great challenges that European countries face in managing the migration file.
Details of rescue operations
On Friday morning, two operations were carried out that resulted in the rescue of 81 passengers who were on board a boat that left the French coast in Somme Bay (northern France), in addition to 80 other people who called for help after their boat was damaged off the coast of Ekihin-Plage (north). On Friday night, 24 passengers on another boat were rescued while trying to cross the English Channel from the Slack Sand Dunes (north), while some other passengers decided to continue their journey, demonstrating their determination despite the risks.
Numbers and challenges
Official figures from the UK Home Office indicate that no small boats arrived in England on Friday, despite a boost in French resources to prevent such operations, with significant financial support from the UK. Since the beginning of the year, more than 36,300 migrants have arrived in England on small boats, a number close to the record number witnessed in the same period last year, when it reached 37,600 migrants. According to an agency report "AFP"At least 27 migrants have died this year trying to cross the French-British border irregularly, highlighting the high risks these people face on their journey.
Immigration agreement between London and Paris
A new migration agreement between London and Paris, which entered into force in August, provides for the exchange of migrants between the two countries on an equal basis "One for one"London accepts the entry of another person from France for every person returned from the United Kingdom. However, this arrangement faces widespread criticism from non-governmental organizations, faces legal challenges, and remains largely symbolic, without achieving real effectiveness in deterring the vast majority of migrants from attempting to cross the English Channel irregularly.
These events reflect the continuing challenges facing European governments in addressing migration issues, as humanitarian conditions remain at the heart of this growing crisis.
