Calais: Charity calls for end to demonisation of migrants

Seeking Sanctuary - a charity organising basic humanitarian aid for the 3,000 migrants mostly sleeping rough outside Calais is becoming increasingly concerned, as are other organisations, about migrants in Calais being 'demonised' as a result of the traffic chaos and delays in Kent. They write in a statement today:

FACT: The numbers reported to be entering the Eurotunnel site are likely to be greatly exaggerated - and diminishing as new security measures come into place.

FACT: Contrary to ideas put forward in the popular press, sending in the British army is neither feasible nor desirable - and the idea is being forward simply to inflame populist feelings.

FACT: David Cameron refers to migrants seeking a better life. Millions of people are fleeing civil war and conflict - and are seeking a life as much as a better life. For the dentist from Syria living in Calais and caught between ISIL and Assad's army, survival is what matters, rather than any thought of an 'Eldorado' in Britain. Faced with the squalor of the 'jungle' in Calais, is it surprising that some migrants are prepared to risk their lives ?

FACT: Migrants are not a 'swarm' like insects. They are like you and me, with families and loved ones, trying desparately to protect themselves and their loved ones in a chaotic and hostile world.

FACT: Migrants cannot take the blame for all the traffic problems in Kent and Operation STACK. The Dover-Calais ferry route has lost about 50% of its capacity due to an entirely unrelated industrial relations dispute involving French ferry workers.

FACT: Contrary to what is reported over here, the French aid agencies are making a concerted effort to improve conditions in the 'jungle', treating the area as a war zone. New sanitary and medical facilities have been installed. Fencing is all well and good but does not address the basic humanitarian problem.

'Seeking Sanctuary' is organising basic humanitarian assistance through Faith Communities and Community organisations in partnership with the aid agency 'Secours Catholique - this will be taken to Calais at regular intervals as required. For further information on how your organisation can help contact Ben Bano on 07887 651117 or visit: www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com