An 18-page report on the use of weapons by Ms Hédon, the most senior advisor to the French government on human rights, has been leaked to Le Monde.

Ms Hédon writes: “The objective of preventing departures is understandable given the danger of the crossing, and law enforcement plays a protective role, but this cannot be done at any cost.”

Her report – dated December 17th, 2025 – denounces the use of rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades against groups of migrants, including children.

Up to 42,000 people crossed the English Channel in inflatable boats organised by people smugglers in 2025, with most of them claiming asylum.

Since 2022, there have been 40 complaints about police violence, almost all of them by Utopia 56, the migrant charity.

Ms Hédon is particularly critical of the use of so-called “flash ball” guns – ones that fire rubber bullets – as well as tear gas, the riot control weapon which is banned in warfare under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention.

Despite the dangers associated with the use of such gas, it is frequently used by police across France.

The Defender of Rights recommends “excluding the use” of such weapons, “when the sole purpose of the security forces is to prevent people from boarding a boat”.

Ms Hédon continues: “The use of intermediate force weapons endangers people.”

She writes that the use of weapons generally occurs at night, and this often violates rules of proportionality and transparency.

On February 8, 2023, for example, riot police in Gravelines, near Calais, fired tear gas grenades at a boat packed with migrants that was already at sea.

In August of the same year, migrant children were among the victims of similar police tactics at Sangatte, the Calais beach.

Ms Hédon is particularly critical of the way police body cameras are switched off during incidents when weapons are used.

Film shot at night is often unusable too, she claims, while recommending “the systematic activation” of the cameras.

Ms Hédon also claims police seldom file detailed reports about violent interventions.

On April 26, 2024, police admitted firing 10 rubber bullet rounds and using 37 tear gas grenades near Gravelines against a group of migrants who were throwing rocks “and other projectiles”.

In the same month, officers prevented a boat from departing Oye-Plage, near Calais, by using 14 tear gas grenades, one stun grenade, and eight rubber bullet rounds, but “no report was filed after this intervention,” notes the Defender of Rights.

She recommends “a requirement to report in writing any use of an intermediate force weapon,” regardless of the consequences.

Ms Hédon also calls for “an intervention doctrine,” so as to ensure stricter control of the way police treat migrants.

Amélie Moyart, of Utopia 56, said: “There were 78 deaths related to crossing attempts in 2024, and we link this to the police presence on the beaches, where they use tear gas indiscriminately and from a distance, while people try to board the boats at all costs.”