In Pictures

Demolishing the southern camp of the Calais ‘jungle’

French authorities proceeded with plans to clear southern part of refugee camp despite objections from aid groups.

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.

The Ashram kitchen in Calais jungle — The southern part of the camp was home to a number of services helping refugees, such as the 'Ashram kitchen', which fed 1,000 people a day. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Police in Calais — In February demolition teams backed by French police moved in to clear the camp [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Toddler in Calais jungle — A toddler peeks out from a soon-to-be demolished shack. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

School kids in Calais jungle — Activists and refugees have set up schools in the camp to teach children French and English. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Family in jungle — Most of the residents in the 'Jungle' are men but there are many families living in the area, such as Maryam's. The Iranian refugee lives in the camp with her husband, Amir and daughter, Rosie. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Destruction of southern camp in Calais jungle — Bulldozers were used to destroy the homes, followed by small teams using sledgehammers. [Al Jazeera]

Iranian hunger striker in Calais — A number of Iranian refugees protested against the demolitions by sewing their mouths shut and going on hunger strike. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Calais 9 — Some refugees set their dwellings alight in protest at the clearance operation. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Calais10 — Refugees attend a silent protest against the demolitions. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Calais11 — Not all tents were set alight by their inhabitants. Owing to the poor safety standards at the camp, fires started for warmth often get out of control, consuming shacks and other structures. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Calais12 — Many refugees attempted to salvage their homes from the demolition teams. Here a group physically move a shack to another area of the camp. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Calais 14 — A refugee sits next to a demolished shack. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]

Calais 15 — Two men carry their belongings away from the destroyed section of the Calais 'Jungle'. [Andrew Goss/Al Jazeera]