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The "jungle" of Calais evacuated before the cameras.
Jonathan Parienté and Laeticia Van Eeckhout
Le Monde 23 septembre 2009
Article, Web Article
French
The breaking up operation of the « Jungle, camp/slums of undocumented migrants established in a wooded area surrounding the port of Calais , ordered in September 16th 2009 by the Ministry of Immigration, held in December 2009. More than 500 policemen « evacuated » 278 migrants, among whom 132 under age, all under the eyes of cameras. Immediately after, the camp was “cleaned up” by bulldozers and « restored to its natural state » to repeat the Minister’s words.
The migrants who have come of age were placed in custody, those under age place in specialized centres.
Authorities explain that migrants can apply for asylum, or can have some assistance for voluntary return. Since May 2009, 343 migrants have been received by an office that records the applications for asylum opened in Calais. Among them, 169 have a case under investigation, and only 50 have obtained a temporary residence permit. The other ones have returned in the “Jungle”.
The organizations consider that the “jungle” dismantling will prompt even more the migrants to smuggling rings because they are forced to be in hiding while the Minister says that thanks to that operation “he has destroyed the main working tool of the mafia network in this region”.
This article raises the issue of migrants, mostly Afghans, trying to move to England, and mostly grouped into "camps" on the coast of the Channel and North Sea. England not being a part of the Schengen area, there is a “settling” of the migrants aroung the port of Calais. The move to England once they have crossed the border, enables them to obtain the right to work.
The closure of Sangatte Centre (Pas-de-Calais) managed by the Red Cross, has multiplied these camps.
Many organizations are faced with the problem of European asylum law, and the denial of people about their right to protection.
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Frédéric Rousselle / Marika Kovacs
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