Farewell To The Jungle | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Farewell To The Jungle

What's next for Calais' refugees?

16
Farewell To The Jungle

One of the main downfalls of an American election season is that the media is so focused on every little thing the candidates do to the point where they forget about other major events that are going on in the world. Last week, The "Jungle", a popular refugee camp that hosted more than 10,000 people in France was dismantled, leaving several thousands of refugees stranded without a home. This camp was so popular because it was right off the French coast along the English Channel, and was an ideal spot for people trying to illegally cross into England.

The refugees at this camp were mainly from Sudan, Eritrea, and Afghanistan. They came to Calais escaping war, violence, crimes against humanity, and have come in search of a home that offers them basic rights and freedoms. Most will probably stay in France, trying to make their way to Paris and other French towns.

One main concern for French authorities and aid organizations is dealing with children that have come alone, making up over 10% of the Jungle population. They make an easy target for human traffickers, and without the proper help and guidance might fall victim to poverty and sexual slavery.

But why is this happening now? With Europe definitely going through an immigration crisis, many countries have tried to take steps toward anti-migration, such as immigration reform in Brexit that was passed during this summer, and dismantling this camp. As it wasn't an "official" refugee camp, legally aid workers and humanitarian organizations can't donate and help these people.

The only viable option for these people is to apply for asylum in France. Although many want to go to Europe, they'll probably stay in France until they save enough money to legally enter the UK, or most probably wait it out until they can make it to Calais and try to enter England illegally.

It's frustrating to see European countries that should be leading by example by helping refugees take active steps to deter them from entering their countries. With an aging European baby boomer population whose current workforce is too small to take care of them financially, refugees might be the added man power Europe really needs. Europe really needs to see these populations as a blessing in disguise, and provide good living accommodations as well as a set path to legal residence for these people. Given their colonial and abusive history, it really is the least they can do.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193670
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16935
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459381
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27480
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments