French Minister meets with High Commissioner regarding mixed migration
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
During a meeting with French Minister for Immigration Eric Besson yesterday, 18 September, in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres said he hoped that appropriate measures will be taken to assure the protection of asylum seekers and unaccompanied children during the public action to take place in the northern French city of Calais in the course of the next week. This was expressed following Mr. Besson's announcement earlier in the week that French authorities will close down the various makeshift settlements in and around Calais - known as the 'jungle' - where several hundred undocumented foreigners are waiting in the hope to cross into the UK.
The High Commissioner recognized the challenges posed by irregular migration, and the strain which the network of smugglers and traffickers poses on the Calais region. He further recognized the right of the French Government to maintain law and order. However, he noted that among the irregular migrants in the region there are persons in need of international protection, and noted the protection needs of these individuals, particularly the large number of unaccompanied children.
UNHCR was encouraged by France's commitment to ensure that the situation of each individual is carefully examined and appropriate solutions found. This should include access to full and fair asylum procedures and the option of assisted voluntary return. It was recognized that many of the people present in the Calais area come from countries affected by war and insecurity such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia and the protection needs of such persons should be carefully considered. The High Commissioner encouraged France to provide accommodation to all asylum seekers, as well as unaccompanied children.
The High Commissioner noted that there is a need for a true European asylum space with consistent rules and procedures. He described the current system as 'asylum à la carte'. In view of the current disparities, he appealed for a flexible implementation of the Dublin II Regulation, which states that asylum claims should normally be decided in the first country where the applicant entered the EU. He reiterated UNHCR's views that asylum-seekers should not be returned to Greece, in view of deficiencies in the system there.
UNHCR is present in Calais providing information and counselling undocumented foreigners about claiming asylum in France and other options, such as voluntary return to their home country. Together with other organizations, UNHCR aims at helping the migrants to make an informed decision about their future.
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Transfer of residents out of "the Jungle" site in Calais, France
25 Oct 2016 ... The informal camp for refugees and migrants in Calais known as "the Jungle" is not an environment ... of the child, such as the 200 unaccompanied children that have left Calais for the United Kingdom. ...... -
UNHCR: France decision to close Calais 'jungle' camp welcome; Proper care in next steps crucial
14 Oct 2016 ... in Calais, the so-called “Jungle,” will be closed in the coming days, with the camp population to be moved to centres where better help can be provided. This is welcome. The Calais ...... -
UNHCR appeals for urgent action to address deteriorating humanitarian situation in Calais
26 Sep 2014 ... in the French port city of Calais. The number of migrants in Calais is currently estimated at 1,000, with an additional 400 thought to be living in other sites along the northern coast of France. ...... -
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16 Jan 2018 ... camp for migrants and asylum-seekers known as the "Jungle”, outside Calais on the French coast. ... I never felt so much terror in my life.” “People literally died around us in Calais. It was very ...... -
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19 Jun 2018 ... She starts the conversation. “Shir Bahadar, tell them how we met.” “In Calais … and ... in the Paris suburbs. “I went back to Calais because it was my postal address, as well as ...... -
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5 Feb 2016 ... currently reported to be living in the Calais "jungle" and almost 2,500 in Grande-Synthe, on ... and migrants living in Calais and Grande-Synthe, and address their urgent humanitarian needs. ...... -
Unaccompanied children in Calais cultivate a world away from home
27 Sep 2016 ... who had been living in the makeshift camp known as 'the jungle' near Calais, 45 kilometres away. ... has an obligation to protect unaccompanied children living in the so-called jungle in Calais." ...... -
UNHCR calls for comprehensive response to the Calais situation
7 Aug 2015 ... The situation in Calais is neither new nor unmanageable. There are an estimated 3,000 refugees and migrants in Calais and in the northern coast of France today - virtually the same number as last ...... -
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27 Feb 2015 ... When I meet him one evening, down at the loading bay of a factory where he sleeps in Calais, France, ... This is where he and about 20 other Syrians have been living since they came to Calais several ......