Iraqi Father Loses 7-Year-Old Daughter in Tragic English Channel Crossing

Ahmed Alhashimi, a 41-year-old Iraqi refugee, experienced an unimaginable loss when his 7-year-old daughter Sara perished during a desperate attempt to cross the English Channel in a small inflatable boat. The family, including Alhashimi's wife and two other children, were trying to reach the UK after being informed that their asylum applications in several European countries had been rejected and they faced deportation back to Iraq.

The tragic incident occurred on April 23, when a group of 112 migrants boarded an overcrowded dinghy near Calais, France. During the chaotic crossing, a stampede broke out on the boat, leading to the loss of five lives, including young Sara. Alhashimi recounted the horrific scene, saying he saw people dying in front of him and was unable to protect his daughter as she was crushed and suffocated under the feet of other migrants.

Why this matters: The heartbreaking story of the Alhashimi family highlights the desperate measures asylum-seekers are forced to take when faced with deportation, often resorting to perilous journeys that put their lives at risk. It also underscores the urgent need for more humane and effective policies to address the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe.

Alhashimi had spent 14 years in Europe, repeatedly applying for asylum to protect his family, but his applications were consistently rejected. Sara, who was born in Belgium and had spent most of her life in Sweden, was among those who perished in the pursuit of safety and a better future. "The sea was the only choice we had," Alhashimi said, expressing his anguish and guilt over the loss of his daughter.

The incident occurred just hours after the UK government passed legislation allowing the deportation of asylum seekers who arrive in the country on small boats to Rwanda. In the aftermath of the tragedy, a 23-year-old Sudanese national has been arrested on suspicion of assisting illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally, while two other males from South Sudan and Sudan have been charged in connection with the case.

The National Crime Agency is working with French authorities to support the investigation into the incident that took the lives of five people, including 7-year-old Sara Alhashimi. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing refugee crisis and the urgent need for compassionate and effective solutions to ensure the safety and dignity of those fleeing persecution and seeking a better life.

Key Takeaways

• Iraqi refugee Ahmed Alhashimi's 7-year-old daughter Sara died crossing Channel
• Family's asylum applications rejected, faced deportation to Iraq, resorted to perilous journey
• Incident occurred after UK passed law allowing deportation of asylum seekers on small boats
• 5 lives lost, 3 suspects arrested in connection with the tragedy
• Highlights urgent need for humane policies to address ongoing refugee crisis in Europe