Calais - Charity says: 'Bring the children to sanctuary and safety'
The charity Seeking Sanctuary, which organises basic humanitarian assistance for the refugees and migrants in the Calais 'Jungle through Faith Communities and Community Organisations in partnership with experienced aid agencies such as 'Secours Catholique' - said in a statement today:
'We support the recent comments of the Bishop of Dover condemning the use of tear gas near children present in the Calais 'Jungle' camp. We are very concerned for the welfare of unaccompanied minors in Calais, some of who are as young as ten, and we fear that they are potential or actual victims of abuse and exploitation. Most of them will have witnessed traumatic events which forced them to flee their homes.
We believe that it is wrong to prolong their physical and emotional suffering. Following a recent court judgement, the French and British governments should take urgent action to identify those children who are eligible to join loved ones already in the UK and fast track them through the bureaucratic maze that hinders their reunion. We call for immediate action to ensure that this happens. Just 80 years ago the UK rescued young children from the dangers of the Nazi regime - it's time to show the same concern again.'
See: www.canterburydiocese.org/bishop-of-dover-god-stands-in-the-crowd-enveloped-by-teargas/
For more information about 'Seeking Sanctuary' contact Ben Bano on 07887 651117 or Phil Kerton on 01474 873802. To check their latest news, see: www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com.