Volunteers fear new migrant camps could follow '˜Jungle' demolition

Unofficial migrant camps are likely to grow in northern France in the wake of next week's planned demolition of the 'Jungle' shanty-town in Calais, British aid volunteers fear.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Oct 2016, 13:31 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 20:48 BST

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The Jungle refugee camp at Calais. Picture: PAThe Jungle refugee camp at Calais. Picture: PA
The Jungle refugee camp at Calais. Picture: PA

Bulldozers will move in on the slum on Monday, with the French authorities saying the estimated 6,500 migrants camped there will be relocated to reception centres across France.

But Care4Calais founder Clare Moseley said that following the part-dismantlement of “the Jungle” in February, serious failings were reported at some of the centres migrants were sent to.

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A man walks through the jungle migrant camp in Calais, France, as plans are made to clear the whole site. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA WireA man walks through the jungle migrant camp in Calais, France, as plans are made to clear the whole site. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
A man walks through the jungle migrant camp in Calais, France, as plans are made to clear the whole site. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
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She said there was a lack of basic essentials, including access to interpreters and legal advice. And she added: “We are also concerned that unofficial camps in the north of France will now grow.

“These suffer from a severe lack of infrastructure, no running water, toilets or medical facilities, and so where possible we will also direct aid to these areas.”

As France gears up for next year’s presidential election, French president Francois Hollande has appeared keen to adopt a firmer stance and finally close the camp.

It has become a symbol of his government’s failure to tackle Europe’s migrant crisis and a target of criticism from conservative and far-right rivals seeking to unseat him.

A man walks through the jungle migrant camp in Calais, France, as plans are made to clear the whole site. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA WireA man walks through the jungle migrant camp in Calais, France, as plans are made to clear the whole site. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
A man walks through the jungle migrant camp in Calais, France, as plans are made to clear the whole site. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Amid reports that migrants may attempt last-ditch bids to cross the English Channel, Kent Police has said it is braced for any fall-out from the demolition.

The force has said it is “monitoring events” in northern France as notices started to go up in the camp alerting migrants to the imminent clearance.

Meanwhile in Kent, a “White Lives Matter” march is planned on Saturday in Margate. A counter-protest by anti-racist locals has also been organised.

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Related topics:FranceVolunteers