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UK, France Create Combined Team to Counter Human Smugglers

© AFP 2023 / PHILIPPE HUGUEN Illegal migrants demonstrate against British government, on August 20, 2015 in Calais, on the occasion of the visit of Britain's Home Secretary visit to Calais to sign a deal aimed at alleviating the migrant crisis
Illegal migrants demonstrate against British government, on August 20, 2015 in Calais, on the occasion of the visit of Britain's Home Secretary visit to Calais to sign a deal aimed at alleviating the migrant crisis - Sputnik International
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Deputy Mayor of Calais said that bilateral UK-French organization to counter human smuggling operations and provide assistance to asylum seekers will be initiated in the French port city.

A migrant crawls under a fence as he attempts to access the Channel Tunnel in Calais, northern France, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 - Sputnik International
Int'l Organization for Migration Praises UK-French Declaration on Calais
MOSCOW (Sputnik), Yulia Shamporova A bilateral UK-French organization to counter human smuggling operations and provide assistance to asylum seekers will be initiated in the French port city of Calais, Deputy Mayor Philippe Mignonet told Sputnik on Friday.

"A joint structure to fight against smugglers but also for asylum seekers to have proper and decent information will be provided. We do not have any details about the time that will be opened," Mignonet said.

On Thursday, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and his UK counterpart Theresa May signed a declaration to strengthen security in Calais and increase humanitarian assistance to refugees.

"In the meantime it has been announced that in a near future, an investment strategy will take place in order to help people to stay in their countries to rebuild the economy," the deputy mayor for environment and security said.

Calais has seen thousands of attempts by refugees to cross the Channel Tunnel to Britain in recent weeks. The attempts have resulted in several migrant deaths and heavy traffic disruption.

An estimated 3,500-5,000 migrants, whose ultimate destination is stated to be Britain, are currently living in makeshift outdoor camps in Calais.

Authorities in Calais are hopeful that the meetings being held on the migrant crisis in the French port city will lead to its resolution and not remain just words, the municipality's deputy mayor said.

On Thursday, UK Home Secretary Theresa May visited Calais and met with French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. During the meeting, they signed a joint declaration to strengthen security in Calais and increase humanitarian assistance to refugees.

"I'm happy that for the very first time, the English home affairs minister has come to Calais… Even being happy, we remain careful to see the outcome of the speeches and talks. We hope that it will not be promises that will remain promises," Philippe Mignonet said.

Calais has seen thousands of attempts by refugees to cross the Channel Tunnel to England in recent weeks. The attempts have resulted in several migrant deaths and severe traffic disruptions.

An estimated 3,500-5,000 migrants, whose ultimate destination is stated to be Britain, are currently living in makeshift outdoor camps in Calais.

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