Hundreds of volunteers descended on the camp over the weekend and on Monday to help assist the estimated 1,500 people — who will be displaced — with moving their belongings to other shelters nearby.
While many of those displaced by the clearout will be housed in a new government-funded camp adjacent to the Jungle, there were concerns that the slow process of re-housing refugees and migrants may leave some without proper shelter in the meantime.
The eviction of the Jungle begins https://t.co/FiMaWsqNZN pic.twitter.com/ARnLR1PHfV
— Calais Solidarity (@calaisolidarity) January 18, 2016
The US$19.5 million (€18m) facility made up of shipping containers has a capacity to house 1,500, however only about 50 people a day were being admitted into the new accommodation.
Many people are setting fires in the #eviction area of the #calaisjungle to protest the actions of the police. Police respond with tear gas.
— Calais Solidarity (@calaisolidarity) January 18, 2016
Another concern surrounds the willingness of people to actually move to the new facility, given that refugees are required to give a 3D scan of their palm print for identification reasons, which many believe may harm their chances of being able to leave France and eventually seek asylum in Britain.
The clearing of certain parts of the Jungle and creation of new accommodation has also triggered debate about what steps can be taken to try and resolve the issue at Calais, with the camp being in existence, in one form or another, for 15 years.
Although the recent migration crisis into Europe has resulted in more people living in the Jungle, the problems have long existed in the French port town, with many people living in poverty.
Critics say that the problem will only get worse unless French and European authorities act to address the demands of people wishing to travel onwards to Britain.
Organizers of the new accommodation facility have defended it however, saying it was essential to offer people shelter while a large section of the camp is cleared.
