UK asylum policy causes more violence and deaths, say rights groups

People walking into the Channel to board a dinghy in Gravelines, northern France. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty Images

The UK’s policy to stop asylum seekers from crossing the Channel in small boats has led to an increase in violence, deaths and smuggler control, but has not deterred arrivals, according to a report by human rights organisations.

The 176-page report from Humans for Rights Network, includes contributions from 17 refugee and human rights organisations operating in northern France and six in the UK.