Public radio’s longest-running daily global news program.
©2025 The World from PRX
PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402.
French police begin a partial demolition of the ‘Jungle’ in Calais, sparking unrest
French officials have begun dismantling a portion of a large migrant camp in the port city of Calais. Authorities were forced to put out a fire at a makeshift shelter and riot police were on hand after migrants began throwing stones inside the camp known as the Jungle. The government plans to relocate migrants to reception centers.
A youth throws a stone in protest as smoke and flames rise from a burning makeshift shelter while the camp for migrants called the "Jungle," in Calais, is dismantled.
Pascal Rossignol
French riot police used water cannon and tear gas on Monday at a large migrant camp known as the Jungle, where a partial demolition is underway.
The relocation and demolition began in the southern sector, where the BBC reports the living conditions are often desperate.
Following a court order last week, the French authorities are attempting to rehouse residents in heated shipping containers as an alternative to sleeping in the open. Some residents are reluctant to move, fearing that their movements will be closely supervised and restricted in the new accommodation. The camp is a big draw for migrants because of the nearby road leading to a ferry terminal where migrants try to make their way to the UK.
Over the last two years, the camp has grown rapidly and become a symbol of Europe's ongoing migrant crisis.
