Seeking Sanctuary says "No" to enforced expulsions in Calais

Eritrean Chapel under threat of demolition

Catholic charity Seeking Sanctuary has expressed grave concern over the news that the French authorities plan to bulldoze a large large section of the 'Jungle' refugee camp in Calais this week - including several places of worship, medical and food centres.

Ben Bano and Phil Kerton from Seeking Sanctuary says in a statement:

"In an inhumane and clumsy measure, taking place in the bleakest of winter weather, French authorities are about to clear a large area of the Calais "Jungle" camp. This adds to the January clearance that culminated in the destruction of a church and a mosque. On that occasion most dwellings were moved into vacant spaces, but that solution cannot be applied now because the area to be evicted is too big, and the remaining vacant area is too small to accept more residents.

On the morning of Friday 12 February the prefecture announced clearance of the 'southern zone' which accounts for some 70% of the habitable part of the camp. People affected have a week to leave. The clearance includes the Eritrean church, three mosques, the new youth centre, a school, the women's centre, many shops and restaurants, community kitchens that serve 2000 hot meals daily, aid distribution points, the legal centre, the dome theatre, the library, a vaccination centre and many homes. Officials estimate that about 1000 people are affected, but aid workers estimate a figure of around 2000 is more realistic.

This is another blow to the fragile people who have abandoned their homes to flee war and persecution. We can expect panic as the time for clearance approaches and temperatures remain below freezing. The loss of vital community facilities is especially damaging. Exiles have fled from bad experiences with police and government staff and mistrust attempts by French officials to explain plans, rarely completely understanding what is going on, and preferring rumours. In addition, experiences in France do not incline them towards applying for asylum there.

This is another step towards the stated intention of getting the population down to 2000, expecting that 400 of these can be accommodated in the Centre for women and children and 1500 in the dormitory compound made up of converted cargo containers. The total vacancies here are about 800 and the institutional surroundings do not encourage the accustomed freedom and community spirit familiar in more informal surroundings. Many are likely to brave the cold and establish smaller camps at various locations along the coast, becoming more at risk from traffickers and the violence from right-wing extremists that has become increasingly evident in recent weeks.

It is probable that legal challenges will be made and somewhat slow down the evictions, but speedy action by riot police often short-circuits tortuous legal proceedings. In the absence of significant moves by Monday 22 February, those remaining in the affected zone will be offered police protection to encourage them to move away from approaching bulldozers. While the reactions of people who have come halfway across the world seeking a decent life are difficult to predict, the authorities remain firm in their resolve to follow up this clearance with more throughout March.

We agree that providing decent shelter for people is a worthy aim, but a slower and more collaborative approach to change is needed. We say that people must be allowed to prepare for their moves and express their own opinions about the options that are available, rather than being herded into the state's choices under threat of penalties."

There are currently more than 5000 migrants in Calais (January 2016) and many more nearby. 'Seeking Sanctuary' aims to raise awareness about this situation and is organising basic humanitarian assistance through Faith Communities and Community Organisations in partnership with experienced aid agencies such as 'Secours Catholique'.

For further information on how you or your organisation can help, contact Ben Bano on 07887 651117 or Phil Kerton on 01474 873802. To check the latest news, see: www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com.