Understanding the Reality of Channel Crossings: Life in French Border Microcamps
Recent developments along the French border reveal a critical shift in how Channel crossings are being attempted and managed. Migrants are increasingly relying on "microcamps," small, temporary settlements located closer to the coast. These camps allow for more frequent crossing attempts, as they negate the need to return to larger, often-evicted camps further inland. This adaptation by smugglers, utilizing "taxi boats" from various coastal points, has been met with intensified police action, including the use of tear gas and boat destruction, creating increasingly perilous conditions for those attempting the journey.
The human cost is stark, with a record 89 deaths in 2024 and 13 already in 2025. This situation underscores the urgent need to understand the complex realities faced by individuals seeking to cross the Channel.
Learn more about this evolving situation by reading the full article: Channel crossings: life in microcamps on the French border, and how they are changing crossing attempts