Iranian migrants sew mouths shut to protest closure of French camp
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 March 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iranian migrants sew mouths shut to protest closure of French camp, 3 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/570cdf9e15.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 03, 2016
Six Iranian migrants have sewed their mouths shut to focus attention on the French government's mass evictions and destruction of a migrant camp in northern France.
The unusual protest on March 2 came as the government continued to dismantle the makeshift camp near Calais, where several thousand migrants are waiting to try to cross the English Channel to Britain.
The Iranians held a sign asking for a United Nations representative to visit the camp.
Some camp dwellers have stood on roofs to try to save their huts.
Clare Moseley of the Care4Calais British volunteer group told AP that the protest was "a cry for help because they don't know what else to do."
A court ruled last month that the destruction of the southern sector of the camp is legal.
Authorities estimate that 800 to 1,000 people live in the sector being dismantled, but humanitarian groups say there are more than 3,000.
France has offered to house displaced migrants in nearby heated shipping containers or send them to temporary welcome centers so they can consider applying for asylum in France.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
