Calais Mayor uses rocks to block aid to refugees

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Source: Bulletin from Auberge des Migrants (Migrants Shelter), 25 August 2024, translated by Barbara Kentish

Since 12th July, there has been one challenge after another in Calais and along the whole of the French-British border. Statutory responses become ever more ridiculous. While dramas unfold, and threats of violence hover around, and the 1000 or so migrants now in Calais survive in extreme conditions, the Mayor of Calais... has reacted with new barriers to the aid being offered and those giving it, by spreading her favourite toy: rocks!

On July 12th, four persons died in the shipwreck of their craft, followed by six other fatal incidents in the Channel. In total, nine people have lost their lives at sea, and two others separately from the crossings. The current year, 2024, has seen the death total grow ever more noticeably, with at least 31 people dead since January 1st.

During this time, a British activist on the far right, whose name we don't mention, not out of respect, but to avoid giving him even more visibility, threatened in the middle of the UK racist riots, to drum up a team to come and 'hunt the migrant' on the beaches, and to attack the charities supporting them. This man had his passport withdrawn after putting out a tweet calling for an attack on mosques. But the damage was done: his idea has caught on, which makes one fear that a mass arrival of violent xenophobic supremacists could reach the north coast of France, putting the exiles trapped here in danger.

Following all that, Natacha Bouchart, Calais Mayor since 2008, decided on 19th August, World Day of Humanitarian Aid, to block access to a distribution zone by means of large rocks! This zone allows several charities to provide food, water and electricity to about 180 people, including several dozen women and children.

The Council has already spent more than 70,000 euros on rocks this year, the whole purpose of which has been to prevent refugees settling, and to act as an obstacle to the work of the charities. The State and other authorities may choose to continue to deploy unworthy policies, but the charities and supporters on the ground will continue, despite all, to undertake the action rightly belonging to the Government of this country of the Rights of Man.

If you are able and willing, come and keep up this cordon of humanity on our coast.

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L'Auberge des Migrants: https://laubergedesmigrants.fr/en/