Unknown things about the 'jungle' camp in Calais

(Baonghean.vn) - The lives of thousands of migrants at the campNew JungleThe camp was once again thrown into chaos when French authorities began clearing it on October 24.

"jungle" camp

The New Jungle refugee camp is a migrant settlement in the port city of Calais. It is considered a refuge for those wishing to travel 50km through the Channel Tunnel from France to England.

French police, British border officers and fences have been erected to prevent migrants from reaching Dover, and clashes between refugees and local authorities are common.

The New Jungle camp in Calais in October 2016. Getty Images

Dangerous journey

Many migrants have risked their lives by stowing away on a lorry or Channel Tunnel train.

In 2015, the Eurotunnel operator stopped 37,000 illegal migrants from reaching the UK. According to the International Organization for Migration, 31 people died along the way, many of them teenagers.

Population is always changing

Not considered a refugee camp under international law, the New Jungle exists in an ambiguous jurisdiction, lacking infrastructure and authority, with people constantly coming and going, making it difficult to conduct an accurate census.

However, earlier this week, the French government estimated that there were between 5,684 and 6,486 people living in the camp, while charities said the population was closer to 10,000.

War, famine and violence drive migrants to Calais

Most of the people living in the Jungle come from countries with war or political turmoil such as: Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Africa,...

The majority of Calais’ population are men, with women making up around 10-15% and often living in separate quarters. The camp’s residents are divided into four groups: adults, minors, families and vulnerable people (pregnant women, the sick and disabled).

Migrants in Calais on the railway tracks heading towards the Eurotunnel. Getty Images

Unaccompanied children are a concern

According to the French aid organization Terre D'Asile, there are 1,291 minors currently in the camp. Some are victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse. Malnutrition and disease are common at the New Jungle camp.

Earlier on October 21, Britain began accepting a small number of children who "qualify" under EU and UK law.

In March 2016, the British government announced that it would allow 3,000 unaccompanied refugee children to enter the country. However, so far, only 80 have been accepted.

This isn't the first time New Jungle has been demolished.

In 2001, the camp was first closed, setting off a cycle of destruction and reconstruction between immigrants and government agencies.

In March 2016, the southern half of the camp was demolished. But by August 2016, the camp’s population had increased by 53% in just two months.

Aerial photos show hundreds of makeshift tents packed close together at the Jungle camp. (Photo: Reuters)

Reasons for the new demolition

As an unofficial camp, the "jungle" camp does not qualify for international aid, leaving the French government unable to control sanitation and security there.

Additionally, the closure comes at a time when the immigration crisis, fear of terrorism and the spread of anti-migrant movements in Europe are soaring.

The French Interior Ministry said the camp's dismantling plan will be completed by December.

Will another New Jungle arise?

French authorities said immigrants and refugees will be given two options: apply for asylum in France and be relocated to a new place in France or return to their home country.

However, some charities working in the camps say this solution is not viable for those with strong reasons to still want to settle in the UK.

Thanh Hien

(According to CNN)