France Begins Demolition of Calais Refugee Camp

France began the demolition of the large camp known as the Jungle in Calais on Monday, October 25. This camp has been home to migrants and asylum seekers wishing to travel to the UK. Simultaneously with the demolition of the Jungle camp, the transfer of its residents to designated accommodations in various parts of France has begun. Reuters reported that hundreds of refugees were transferred to accommodations in the early hours. Officials predict that about 2,500 people will leave the Jungle camp on the first day. Recently, some residents of the Jungle camp clashed with French police. These individuals do not want to be placed in refugee camps in other parts of France because this would require their registration in France, reducing their chances of going to the UK. The French government and humanitarian and human rights organizations have guaranteed health care and the provision of needs for refugees in the new accommodations. However, media have speculated that further clashes may occur between refugees who do not want to register in France and hundreds of police and gendarmes in the country. Between 7,000 to 10,000 refugees or migrants live in the Jungle camp in Calais. The largest groups present in this camp are from various African, Arab, Afghan, and Pakistani nationalities, with some Iranians also present. Calais is located in northern France at the mouth of the Strait of Dover, which is the shortest water route between France and the UK. Parts of this port have gradually become a place for the basic living of migrants who have illegally reached France and wish to go to the UK. However, according to European Union laws, asylum seekers must submit their applications in the first safe country they reach.