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⬤ LOW 25 Oct 2026, 14:17 UTC

Calais, 10 years after the Jungle: Migrants still risk the Channel crossing

Ten years ago, in 2016, thousands of #migrants lived in what was known as the “Great #Jungle”, a vast camp on the outskirts of #Calais. It took the authorities seven days to dismantle it. Today, dozens of smaller “jungles” are scattered across a wider stretch of the coastline. These camps are dismantled every 48 hours on average. For migrants, the goal remains the same: to cross the Channel and reach the United Kingdom. Despite the risks posed by “small boats”, these makeshift vessels, many continue to attempt the crossing in the hope of a better life. Our reporters Pauline Godart, Claire Paccalin and Mohamed Farhat travelled to northern France for #BilletRetour.
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