BORDERING ON INSANITY

With winter approaching, the situation in Calais is increasingly desperate. Since the destruction of the Pashtun ‘jungle’ in September (See SchNEWS 692) French police have continued destroy camps and evict squats, often hauling migrants into Coquelles detention centre before dumping them on the outskirts of Calais days later.

Without the comparative safety and community of the basic shelters built in the ‘jungles’, the mainly young (often very young – 10-13 years old) migrants have resorted to sleeping under bridges, which the cops then clear, destroying tents and blankets. The police have now also taken to spraying irritant chemicals over an area once it has been cleared. The Prefect of Calais (cop in charge of the operations), Pierre de Bousquet, said last week “It is not the right of the police to destroy blankets and clothes”, yet that is exactly what they have been doing.

No Borders remain active in the area. Recent actions have included chaining the entrance to Coquelles detention centre before dawn raids; flyposting Calais centre with photos of police violence and harassment that can go by unseen; banner drops on motorway bridges surrounding Calais; and dying the town hall fountain red.

Benjamin, recently part of a hunger strike with eight other Iranians and two No Borders activists (See SchNEWS 694) said, “I like No Borders, they treat us with respect. The police have got worse recently, and I am scared to be returned to Greece. If I get sent to Iran I will die.”

More importantly, activists have been distributing desperately needed tents and blankets. The French state has transformed such simple offers of help into political acts through their use of legislation making it illegal to help migrants.

One activist said, “When we stand together to resist a raid, work together to occupy buildings, stop deportations to ‘safe’ third countries like Greece or Italy, or challenge charter flights to Iraq or Afghanistan, when we take action or hold demonstrations, this is when we are strong”.

Two vans of tents and blankets from Cardiff and Bristol No Borders groups are leaving for Calais today (6th). A second Bristol van is going on November 26th. (http://bristolnoborders.wordpress.com).

There have also been benefit gigs held around the UK which are vital to support migrant solidarity work in Calais. The next is on Friday 21st November at the Hare and Hounds, Brighton

* For more information see SchNEWS 676, www.calaismigrantsolidarity.wordpress.com www.calais9.wordpress.com UK contact number 07534 008380. Calais office (from UK) 00 33 6 34 81 07 10

* Donations to ‘Calais Migrant Solidarity’, Unity Trust Bank, sort code 086001 account number 20233983