The Human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a new report criticized the French police for the unjustified use of pepper spray against children and adolescents living in the camps of migrants in Calais.
In the text called “Life in hell: the police attacks on children and adolescent migrants in Calais” it is reported that the guards used similar measures when the children are asleep, or “in other circumstances when they do not represent a threat.” In particular, the police confiscate sleeping bags, blankets and clothing, as well as sprayed pepper gas on food and water migrants to force them to leave the territory.
Human rights activists also accused local authorities of ignoring the abuse of power by guards.
In a report based on interviews with more than 60 migrants from camps in Calais and Dunkirk. In addition, human rights defenders met with volunteers, social workers and representatives of local authorities.
After the demolition of the spontaneous refugee camps “Jungle” in Calais was demolished in November 2016 in the city and its surroundings remains from 500 to 600 migrants. Local residents constantly complain about the neighborhood with them, and the refugees complain of police brutality.