Since
about 15 years refugees are coming to Calais in the hope to illegally
cross the border by ferry or train from Calais to Dover. Most of them
are young men between 20 and 30 years old, who have the best changes
to make it through the ordeal. The majority are from war torn
countries like Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan or Syria. The groups often
stick to each other for safety and communication reasons.
In
2002 the refugee camp Sangatte, initially set up by the Red Cross,
has been bulldozed by the French authorities. Since then the
situation for refugees is deteriorating and seems to get worse every
year with more refugees, less shelter and increased security
measurements.
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| The jungle in Calais in 2015. Photo by Iman Tajik |
Especially since 2014 the numbers of refugees coming to Calais has significantly increased. At the start of the production of the film there were about five different jungles and occupied buildings were refugees in Calais stayed. No shelter or food was provided by the French government and people were relying on donations and charities.
In April 2015 all camps were evicted by the police and the refugees moved to the 'new jungle' called the Jules Ferry day centre. Today there are about 3000-4000 migrants in the camp which is under French government control. One meal a day is provided as well as limited access to water, sanitary facilities and a place to charge mobile phones. Shelter is provided for women and children, however the vast majority of migrants are men who are staying in selfmade tents like in the jungles before. Some refugees still sleep rough on the streets in the city centre as well.
Still most refugees are depending on charities for support, food and clothing but the situation seems to have improved since all refugees moved to a single location. However, the camp is located on a former wasteland far away from town centre which makes it a difficult location to cross to the UK.
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| Daily life in the jungle. Photo by Iman Tajik. |
Security
measurements to stop migrants from crossing the border to England
have been significantly upgraded, mainly through financial support by
the UK government. A sum of £12 million pounds has been committed to
build fences, employ more security staff and sniffer dogs. During the
production of the film in July 2015 the situation of migrants became
a regular news story caused by strikes of the staff at the terminals
at the Eurotunnel.
As a response the UK government promised another £7 million pounds to further improve the border security. Most refugees attempt to cross the border by sneaking into trucks which are stuck in traffic jams at the Eurotunnel or ferry terminal. However, traffic jams appear only about once or twice a week. The claim that migrants try to cross every day is a myth and the attempts do not reflect the actual numbers who achieve a crossing, which is very small in comparison. The vast majority of migrants only attempts at traffic jams which in most cases means a two hour walk to the Eurotunnel at the other end of the town which is physically very exhausting especially under extreme living conditions. Other locations such as lorry parkings are under strict police control as well as human traffickers. These locations are considered as too dangerous by most migrants who have no financial means to pay traffickers.
As a response the UK government promised another £7 million pounds to further improve the border security. Most refugees attempt to cross the border by sneaking into trucks which are stuck in traffic jams at the Eurotunnel or ferry terminal. However, traffic jams appear only about once or twice a week. The claim that migrants try to cross every day is a myth and the attempts do not reflect the actual numbers who achieve a crossing, which is very small in comparison. The vast majority of migrants only attempts at traffic jams which in most cases means a two hour walk to the Eurotunnel at the other end of the town which is physically very exhausting especially under extreme living conditions. Other locations such as lorry parkings are under strict police control as well as human traffickers. These locations are considered as too dangerous by most migrants who have no financial means to pay traffickers.
There
are calls to allow or tolerate migrants to enter the UK in order to
apply for asylum like it is the case in most other EU states, where
borders can be crossed relatively easily within the EU. This is
mainly to end the inhumane and dangerous conditions for refugees
living in the jungle. But with an established conservative government
and an increasing political rightwing movement in the UK this seems
more and more unlikely. Another important barrier is the Dublin
agreement which means that migrants will be send back to the country
they first entered when arriving in Europe.
Despite
all these difficulties there is a very strong sense of community
among the refugees, helpers and activists which results in a
surprisingly positive atmosphere seen in relation to the difficult
living circumstances inside the jungle. The jungle has also
characteristics of a small town or village with simple tent shops and
restaurants run by migrants as well as mosques and churches.
In autumn 2016 the camp has been evicted by French police. But there are still refugees in Calais, many housed in containers under government control.
In autumn 2016 the camp has been evicted by French police. But there are still refugees in Calais, many housed in containers under government control.
'France: Migrants, Asylum Seekers Abused and Destitute' a report by Human Rights Watch
'The Promised Land' by Mary Turner, excellent photography documentation
'Calais Migrant Solidarity', a regularly updated website documenting the struggle of refugees in Calais
'Salam', one of the main pro-migrant organisation in Calais offering food and support
