- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Closure of Calais Refugee Camp Shows Need for Greater European Cooperation

© Sputnik / Irina Kalashnikova / Go to the mediabankFrench authorities shut down improvised refugee camp in Calais
French authorities shut down improvised refugee camp in Calais - Sputnik International
Subscribe
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson William Spindler said that the situation in Calais highlights the need for greater responsibility sharing and coordination between EU member states to address current gaps in asylum and reception.

Migrants pass by a road sign as they leave the northern area of the camp called the Jungle in Calais, France, September 7, 2016 - Sputnik International
Demolition Begins at Calais Refugee Camp in France
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The closure of the refugee camp in Calais, France demonstrates that European nations need to cooperate to address issues with refugee resettlement, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson William Spindler said on Tuesday.

"The situation in Calais highlights the need for greater responsibility sharing and coordination between EU member states to address current gaps in asylum and reception, and increase solidarity measures such as relocation and other legal avenue for people to reach safety," Spindler stated.

French authorities began removing residents from the refugee camp, known as The Jungle, on Monday. Around 1,200 people were voluntarily relocated to other centers throughout France.

Migrants walks through the Jungle migrant camp in Calais, northern France, on October 22, 2016 - Sputnik International
Welcome! Germany Expects French Requests for Relocation of Calais Migrants
The UNHCR said it is assisting the evacuation efforts by identifying unaccompanied children and other people with special needs. Around 200 unaccompanied children have left Calais to be resettled in the United Kingdom.

The UN agency has long advocated for The Jungle’s closure. The camp is notorious for its squalid living conditions and lack of access to essential services.

Many of camp’s residents, who are primarily from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Sudan, have sought resettlement in the United Kingdom.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала