The Calais Jungle-Une Lueur d´espérance (a glimmer of hope)

After a first visit to the Calais jungle in the north of France in late September 2015, where 3,500 migrants were living in deplorable conditions while attempting to reach England illegally; I became deeply concerned by the social injustice refugees and migrants are enduring while trying to reach a better life. Due to the Touquet agreements in 2003 (making Calais an official English border) England refuses any legal entries for the Calais migrants or to take full responsibility for this current situation. France becoming primarily responsible for the migrants trying to cross over illegally. Sudanese, Afghan, Syrians, Iraqis and many more cultures from the Middle East all come as a hope to cross over to England and obtain a proper life. Walking 6 hours a night along the train tracks to attempt to get inside the Eurotunnel by sneaking inside lorries, jumping into, under or hiding inside trains, this dark journey can be highly dangerous. This camp is where these migrants go back to during the day, it has become their temporary home. Beyond this dilapidated state of living, a real sense of community can still be felt among individuals.

Since, I have gone back to the Calais jungle three consecutive times over a period of seven months to follow the evolution of the camp and its people. From capturing their daily lives to their attempts to cross over while being repelled and abused by the French authority; the Jungle and its migrants has gone through several changes up until today. This series of photographs is the 1st part out of a 4 part story.

http://www.clementmartz.com/calaisstories-selection

Photo captions:

Martz_Calais_01:

The Calais Jungle. As of late September 2015, 3,500 migrants living in this condition; yet the sky remains as a sign of hope.

Martz_Calais_02:

Young Sudanese men. Cutting hair and daily shaving is a regular activity around the camp. Even if these young men living with minimum resources, Still care in maintaining their look and hygiene.

Martz_Calais_03:

A young migrant looking out to cross the highway to try to access the lorries getting inside the eurotunnel.

Martz_Calais_04:

St. Michael's church was built for the camp made out of wood and plastic covers. Every Sunday, a mass takes place for several hours in the morning until lunch time. Everyone is welcomed.

Martz_Calais_05:

Nana and Dom Dom are a retired couple who come daily to the jungle to supply generators with internet routers to the migrants so they can charge their phone and go online to contact their family.

Martz_Calais_06:

There are few fixed location with water stations around the camp. All people have to go there and wash their dishes daily.

Martz_Calais_07:

Every weekend many individuals and organisations come from England and France to donate clothing and food to the migrants. Long several queues are formed.

Martz_Calais_08:

Calais migrants enjoying a concert. On some week-ends, bands & artists come to give performances to spread hope and joyful atmosphere around the jungle camp. Most of these events are organized by the school called "art in jungle" which was a created by a young migrant called Alpha. Keeping the spirit and hope alive for a better. life.