Dunkerque: state of the camps, new litigation and advocacy campaign
Diane Leon
North Coast Programme Coordinator
Jessica Cuvellier
Head of Mission (RM)
Christian Reboul
Migration, Rights and Health Advocacy Advisor
Answers to questions asked in the chat:
Do you have an estimate of the number of encampments in the region?
Estimating the number of encampments in the region is very difficult. In the Dunkirk area, there is one main encampment zone, but it is very spread out. There are also encampments in the Calais area, inland (for people attempting to cross in trucks), and temporary encampments all along the coastline before attempting the crossing (Gravelines, Grand-Fort-Philippe, etc.).
Do people still overwhelmingly want to go to the United Kingdom, even though their origins are now more varied—particularly more people from Africa?
The people present along the coast are, for the most part, aiming to cross, regardless of their community. We observe that this is not their first choice, but rather a consequence of non-reception policies in France and Europe: many have already applied for asylum in another country and were refused, or are subject to the Dublin procedure.
The figure for people who have managed to cross the Channel—how is that measured? Where does it come from, please?
The figures come from the UK Home Office, which publishes the daily number of small-boat arrivals in the UK, and has been doing so since 01/01/2018:
Data on the number of migrants arriving in the UK in small boats and those prevented by French authorities from crossing the English Channel.
MdM’s participation in national conferences:
The French Public Health Agency
The French Agency for the Fight against AIDS (SFLS)
Houda Merimi
Head of the Quality of health practices department
Victor Duperret
Rosela Programme coordinator in Montpellier
Diane Leon
North Coast Programme Coordinator
