A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on the Jungle in Calais, a refugee camp situated in France. A prime spot for refugees to cross the English Channel and enter the U.K. The U.K. had expressed plans to finance and build a wall to surround the camp and limit the number of refugees crossing the Channel. I would like to provide an update. The French government has announced its decision to forgo the wall propose by the U.K. entirely and, instead, remove the refugee camp itself.
The Calais "Jungle" is home to many refugees. The refugee camp is known for its squalid conditions and terrible living standards. It is unknown where the refugees in the camp will be relocated. The French President stated that, per CNN, "From now on our objectives are clear - to guarantee the security of Calais, maintain public order and ensure for the migrants and refugees conditions are dignified."
This decision follows multiple terrorist attacks in France, including last year's attacks in Paris and this July's Nice attack. Growing suspicion has the French people on edge, especially in regards to refugees. Refugees from the Middle East are largely under suspicion as they are coming from areas where terrorist organizations are largely found. As this suspicion and tension mounts, Europe's, particularly France's, policies towards refugees may change. The decision to tear down the "Jungle" is an example of this.
However, the removal of the camp may not be entirely effective. With more and more refugees moving into Calais, the government may be unable to implement the removal. Previous efforts have been made to shrink the camp to no avail.
