MAISON D'ETRE

Around 100 asylum seekers and migrants are now on the streets of Calais after the (latest) Africa House squat was evicted on Wednesday (9th).

Those without papers escaped from the building before the police arrived making the operation mainly peaceful and without arrests. Calais Migrant Solidarity activists and individuals from other associations observed the raid, which has been expected since eviction papers were issued to the occupants of the dilapidated warehouse a couple of weeks ago.

Although the authorities have now shunted the unaccompanied minors and those waiting on French asylum claims into hostels scattered around the country, most of the mainly Sudanese migrants are now rendered homeless. With the bitterly cold coastal weather of the Calais winter looming, it’s gonna be tough for those forced to pitch up tents around the city - and attempt to sleep - without police intimidation and violence, or risking illness.

See http://calaismigrantsolidarity.wordpress.com and SchNEWS 787, 780