Rwanda policy unlikely to deter crossings, refugee survey finds

Deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlikely to deter those in northern France hoping to cross the Channel in small boats, according to a survey that found three-quarters said they would still try to make the journey.

- Diane Taylor

The snapshot of more than 60 asylum seekers in Calais and Dunkirk was carried out by the charity Care4Calais, which provides practical support to asylum seekers in both northern France and the UK.

When the British government announced plans last month to offshore some asylum seekers to Rwanda, ministers emphasised that the controversial scheme would act as a deterrent to those planning to cross the Channel in small boats.

But asylum seekers who talked to Care4Calais said they were still prepared to take their chances.

"I'm willing to risk it,” said one. "Everyone is scared in the camp but I don't think it will affect (the decision to cross the Channel].”

Many of those interviewed fled Sudan or South Sudan and were horrified at the prospect of being flown back to a country not far from the starting point for their journey, especially after enduring the difficulties of passing through Libya, where many had to deal with traffickers, and making the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean to Italy.