France is to gradually dismantle the “Jungle” refugee camp in Calais, the interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, has vowed.
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“Asking for the dismantling of the camp today would mean a worsening of the situation instead of solving the problems”, said Francois Guennoc of Auberge des Migrants, among several aid groups that warned in an open letter that razing the camp would scatter migrants and worsen the situation protesters deplore.
About 7,000 people live in the remaining northern half of the camp, up from 4,500 in June, according to local authorities, although humanitarian groups put the number closer to 9,000. According to the police, in addition to the poor living conditions, theft and quarrels among other crimes are registered in the camp, while the security forces are having a very hard time in controlling the situation.
Numerous migrants gather in Calais in the hopes of smuggling themselves aboard lorries that cross the English Channel to Britain either through the Channel Tunnel or on board ferries. “We are all determined to demand this dismantling” of the camp, Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart said on Europe 1 radio.
He said: “While I have the deepest sympathy for the people of Calais, Monday’s demonstration will achieve nothing other than chaos on the roads of France and Kent”.
In March, the French authorities nearly dismantled the southern part of the Calais migrant camp.
Overcrowding has increased tensions between migrants, and two died in fights within a month.
The Jungle’s population also includes large numbers of Somalis, Kurds and Syrians.
Since last October, more than 5,000 asylum seekers have left the northern French town for 161 special centers set up around France.
“We will also say hello to the hauliers and the haulage companies to show our solidarity with their movement and also show to the French government that this is enough”.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s visit, Cazeneuve told regional daily Nord Littoral that he would press ahead with the closure “with the greatest determination”, dismantling the site in stages while creating accommodation for thousands elsewhere in France “to unblock Calais”.
The fate of the camp is already featuring prominently in campaigns for next year’s presidential election.
Britain’s interior ministry could not immediately be reached for comment.
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Controversy broke out last month at a proposal to allow migrants to lodge United Kingdom asylum claims on French soil – a plan dismissed by a Home Office source as a “complete nonstarter”.
