Demolishing the southern camp of the Calais ‘jungle’

Calais, France – Demolition teams backed by French police moved in to destroy the southern part of the “Jungle” refugee camp in Calais in late February despite protests by aid groups working in the area.

The camp was home to between 800 refugees (according to local officials) and 3,000 (according to activists working there).

Police fired tear gas to clear out refugees who refused to leave their dwellings, and many residing in the area set fire to their tents in protest at the demolition order. The entire process of demolition went on for almost two weeks.

Those forced out moved to tents in the northern sector of the “Jungle” or moved to new camps on the outskirts of Calais or deeper into the countryside.

Andrew Goss is an aid worker and photographer who has been following the situation in Calais since September last year and who documented the destruction of the southern part.

The images he took show some of those who lived in the area and the efforts made by refugees to save their dwellings, and protest against their destruction.