London, United Kingdom, , May 6, 2026 — Responding to the deaths of two Sudanese women attempting to cross the Channel, Flora Alexander, IRC UK Executive Director said,
“My thoughts are with the families of the Sudanese women who have tragically died while attempting to cross the Channel in pursuit of safety in the UK.
“Sudan has become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. 33 million people are in humanitarian need. 20 million face crisis levels of food insecurity - and there is no end in sight. I have just returned from Sudan and saw firsthand the devastating impacts of conflict on civilians. Famine conditions are already taking hold in some areas, cities lie in ruins, health systems have collapsed and sexual violence is widespread. It’s against this backdrop that many have no choice but to flee.
“And yet, a lack of safe routes to the UK means too many people continue to risk perilous journeys on small boats. The Government’s latest enforcement measures as part of the UK-France border deal will not stop people fleeing war and persecution in Sudan or other conflict-torn countries.
“What is needed are safe, legal and accessible routes at a meaningful scale. Without these, we will continue to see more tragic, senseless deaths at sea.”
ENDS