It’s over!”The asylum-seekers finally emerged from the sea defeated, but there was no doubt that they would try to reach the U.K. again. Europe’s increasingly strict asylum rules, growing xenophobia and hostile treatment of migrants were pushing them north. While the U.K. government has been hostile, too, many migrants have family or friends in the U.K. and a perception they will have more opportunities there. At least 20 people have died so far this year trying to reach the U.K., according to Utopia 56. In late April, five people died, including a 7-year-old girl who was crushed inside a rubber boat after more than 110 people boarded it frantically trying to escape police.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 22, 2024 16:48 UTC