Calais migrant crisis (1999–present)

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Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. The Calais migrant crisis refers to the ongoing situation involving refugees and migrants traveling from the French port city of Calais to the United Kingdom, often by crossing the Channel Tunnel[1] or by boarding lorries heading for ferries that cross the English Channel.[2] According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, ten people have died trying to cross the Channel Tunnel since the start of June 2015.[1] The crisis has also led to the formation of various migrant camps around Calais since 1999, a number of which have been called 'jungles'. One Calais jungle from 2015 has been estimated to have approximately 6,000 inhabitants.[1][3]

History

In 1999, the Sangatte refugee camp was opened in Calais, which attracted numerous people who sought asylum outside the country.[2] Since the camp closed in 2001 and 2002, migrants have continued to arrive in Calais and build makeshift camps there.[2] However, it was not until 2015 that the number of migrants reached its highest level.[2]

Reactions

In August 2015, Vincent Cochetel, the director for Europe at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, described the crisis as a "civil emergency".[1] Later that month, Yvette Cooper, the Shadow Home Secretary of the United Kingdom, said that the United Nations had to intervene in the crisis in order to stop the French government from allowing people to try to enter the UK illegally,[4] and on August 20, Theresa May, the Home Secretary of the United Kingdom, expressed concern that the crisis could spread to other ports, such as Dunkirk.[5]

International agreement to address the crisis

On August 20, 2015, May arrived in Calais with Bernard Cazeneuve, the French minister of the interior, to confirm a new agreement to address the crisis. The agreement will transport British police officers to Calais, where they will be based in a new control center, that will regularly report to May and Cazeneuve regarding immigration-related criminal activities on both the French and British sides of the Channel.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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