Calais: the situation post 'the jungle'

You will have no doubt heard of ‘the Jungle’ in Calais – a makeshift migrant camp based in the Northern French port town. It was a base for migrants who had made their journey to Europe but held the ultimate aim of reaching the UK. At the peak of the European migrant ‘crisis’ (2016) the camp was estimated to be home to 9000 people.

Likened to that of Mumbai’s slums, the conditions in the camp were tough; temporary shelters made out of tarpaulin, tents and wooden frames, smoke filled air as anything that could be found was burned to generate some heat and cooking fuel, and wet and freezing winter temperatures to endure. Though families did reside in the camp too, a large proportion of the residents were young men (often minors) on their own. There would be nightly endeavours made by small groups of these men to gain access to the UK, whether this be through attempting to board trains, lorries or ferries. A few lucky ones would be successful – but mostly they would be returned by police only to repeat the exhausting and dangerous process the next night.

A library and classroom in ‘the Jungle’.

One large benefit of having ‘the Jungle’ in existence was the presence of charities. Though the conditions were far from comfortable in most cases, the structure of the camp meant it was relatively manageable for charities to reach those that needed it. Schools, clinics and distribution points for food and clothes were set up and maintained.

Riot police at the demolition of ‘the Jungle’.

Everything changed in October 2016 when French authorities ordered the demolition of ‘the Jungle’. This caused the dispersal of thousands of people across Northern France; some made their way towards the streets of Paris, but an estimated 2000 people remain in the Calais and Dunkirk area, sleeping rough and attempting the channel crossing. The French authorities have made it illegal for any structure to be erected without permission, which includes tents. Consequently, this law has meant French riot police regularly attack tents that migrants sleep in, slitting the fabric and rendering them useless. These police are under instruction to evict whenever possible; this means when migrants are sleeping rough, pepper spray and tear gas are used to ‘move people along’. This has left migrants in a constant state of fear and paranoia.

Migrants running from a fire during the demolition.

There are a number of fantastic charities who are alleviating the suffering of the people in Northern France; Help Refugees are facilitating projects based in Calais and Dunkirk: distributing clothing, sleeping bags and hygiene kits, as well as providing a safe woman’s centre, wifi zones and a food kitchen. Due to the new French laws and police violence, a constant stream of tent and sleeping bag donations are needed. Equally, with colder weather arriving, warm clothing and blankets are essential for surviving the winter months.

Ultimately there needs to be a revision of the laws that have led to this situation arising in the first place; however immediately the focus of providing support and warmth throughout the winter is paramount. Check out the links below to find out how you can donate items or money to help the cause.

Thank you for reading,

Humanitarian Girl x

Further Information