Calais migrant camp: The things they left behind | CNN

Calais migrant camp: The things they left behind

Masuma Ahuja
By Masuma Ahuja, CNN
1 minute read
Published 1:38 PM EDT, Thu October 27, 2016
French authorities stand by as migrant minors board a bus to relocation centers on October 28. Authorities began work on Monday to clear the infamous migrant camp known as the Calais "Jungle" in northern France.
French authorities stand by as migrant minors board a bus to relocation centers on October 28. Authorities began work on Monday to clear the infamous migrant camp known as the Calais "Jungle" in northern France.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
A young migrant stands outside the Calais camp school house on October 28. Minors who were not moved to safe houses outside of the Jungle earlier in the week were let back into the camp to shelter in the makeshift school for the night.<br />
A young migrant stands outside the Calais camp school house on October 28. Minors who were not moved to safe houses outside of the Jungle earlier in the week were let back into the camp to shelter in the makeshift school for the night.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
A trailer burns in the Calais "Jungle" early on Friday, October 28.
A trailer burns in the Calais "Jungle" early on Friday, October 28.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police guard the main entrance to the Jungle on Thursday, October 27. Authorities have declared the camp clear, but aid workers say that up to 100 unaccompanied minors remained with nowhere to sleep.
Riot police guard the main entrance to the Jungle on Thursday, October 27. Authorities have declared the camp clear, but aid workers say that up to 100 unaccompanied minors remained with nowhere to sleep.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
A migrant man sits inside a shack that remains in the otherwise demolished Jungle camp on October 27. French authorities said Wednesday that almost 5,600 migrants had been bused to relocation centers around France.
A migrant man sits inside a shack that remains in the otherwise demolished Jungle camp on October 27. French authorities said Wednesday that almost 5,600 migrants had been bused to relocation centers around France.
Thibault Camus/AP
Heavy machinery is used to remove debris from the camp on October 27.
Heavy machinery is used to remove debris from the camp on October 27.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
An Eritrean migrant waits to be relocated out of the camp on October 27. French authorities have given thousands of people who were living in the infamous migrant camp two options: seek asylum in France or return to your country of origin.
An Eritrean migrant waits to be relocated out of the camp on October 27. French authorities have given thousands of people who were living in the infamous migrant camp two options: seek asylum in France or return to your country of origin.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
A migrant shaves while cleaning crews continue demolition of the Jungle on October 27
A migrant shaves while cleaning crews continue demolition of the Jungle on October 27
Emilio Morenatti/AP
A group of migrants who slept outside an aid station near the Jungle wait to be assigned relocation to processing centers across France on October 27.
A group of migrants who slept outside an aid station near the Jungle wait to be assigned relocation to processing centers across France on October 27.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Two migrants rest near the Jungle site on October 27. Long lines for processing have been cited as the reason some didn't manage to register earlier in the week.
Two migrants rest near the Jungle site on October 27. Long lines for processing have been cited as the reason some didn't manage to register earlier in the week.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Smoke rises from multiple fires blazing in the camp on Wednesday, October 26, as French authorities work to demolish the settlement and evacuate its residents to reception centers around France.
Smoke rises from multiple fires blazing in the camp on Wednesday, October 26, as French authorities work to demolish the settlement and evacuate its residents to reception centers around France.
DENIS CHARLET/AFP/Getty Images
A French fireman attempts to extinguish a blaze in the Calais Jungle on October 26.
A French fireman attempts to extinguish a blaze in the Calais Jungle on October 26.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Remaining migrants watch fires burn across the Jungle on October 26. Migrants set fire to structures along the camp's main street.
Remaining migrants watch fires burn across the Jungle on October 26. Migrants set fire to structures along the camp's main street.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
The remains of makeshift structures smolder from fires that broke out overnight in parts of the camp on October 26.
The remains of makeshift structures smolder from fires that broke out overnight in parts of the camp on October 26.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
A man looks skyward as he stands beside the burned remnants of his tent in the Jungle on October 26.
A man looks skyward as he stands beside the burned remnants of his tent in the Jungle on October 26.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
A migrant walks past a burning shack that was set on fire, as a demolition crew began tearing structures down on Tuesday, October 25.
A migrant walks past a burning shack that was set on fire, as a demolition crew began tearing structures down on Tuesday, October 25.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Women and children protest their case to the UK government from the Jungle, as authorities continue the destruction of the camp on October 26.
Women and children protest their case to the UK government from the Jungle, as authorities continue the destruction of the camp on October 26.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
French authorities stand guard after migrants set fire to a shelter during the dismantling of the Calais "Jungle" camp on October 25.
French authorities stand guard after migrants set fire to a shelter during the dismantling of the Calais "Jungle" camp on October 25.
Jack Taylor/Getty Images
Workers begin demolishing shelters in the camp on October 25.
Workers begin demolishing shelters in the camp on October 25.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
A volunteer helps a man carry his luggage away from the camp on October 25.
A volunteer helps a man carry his luggage away from the camp on October 25.
Jack Taylor/Getty Images
French demolition teams work to dismantle the camp on October 25.
French demolition teams work to dismantle the camp on October 25.
Jack Taylor/Getty Images
A police officer guards demolition crews as they work to dismantle the site on October 25.
A police officer guards demolition crews as they work to dismantle the site on October 25.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
A man passes a camp structure on fire on October 25.
A man passes a camp structure on fire on October 25.
Thibault Camus/AP
A firefighter extinguishes a fire set to migrants' tents during the mass evacuation.
A firefighter extinguishes a fire set to migrants' tents during the mass evacuation.
Jack Taylor/Getty Images
Women arrive at a meeting point determined by authorities managing the evacuation of the camp.
Women arrive at a meeting point determined by authorities managing the evacuation of the camp.
FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants' belongings are trucked out of the "Jungle" on October 25.
Migrants' belongings are trucked out of the "Jungle" on October 25.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Sudanese migrants wait in line to board buses that will take them to relocation centers across France.
Sudanese migrants wait in line to board buses that will take them to relocation centers across France.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
People walk through the camp on October 25.
People walk through the camp on October 25.
Emilio Morenatti/AP
A migrant sets fire to a portable toilet inside the camp on Monday, October 24.
A migrant sets fire to a portable toilet inside the camp on Monday, October 24.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Police try to maintain order as migrants waiting to be processed wait in crowded lines on October 24.
Police try to maintain order as migrants waiting to be processed wait in crowded lines on October 24.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants leave their makeshift homes on October 24.
Migrants leave their makeshift homes on October 24.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants register with French authorities on October 24 before boarding buses that will transport them to shelters across France.
Migrants register with French authorities on October 24 before boarding buses that will transport them to shelters across France.
DENIS CHARLET/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants board buses that will transport them to shelters around France on October 24. Those applying for asylum will be offered temporary accommodation in a shelter while their claim is processed.
Migrants board buses that will transport them to shelters around France on October 24. Those applying for asylum will be offered temporary accommodation in a shelter while their claim is processed.
Jack Taylor/Getty Images
Residents of the camp hug before departing the "Jungle" on October 24.
Residents of the camp hug before departing the "Jungle" on October 24.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Men, women and children leave the camp during the first day of the planned eviction on October 24.
Men, women and children leave the camp during the first day of the planned eviction on October 24.
Joel Goodman/London News Pictures/ZUMA PRESS
Riot police stand off with some of the camp's residents the night before the eviction was set to take place.
Riot police stand off with some of the camp's residents the night before the eviction was set to take place.
Julien Mattia/Wostok Press/Maxppp/ZUMA PRESS
French police fire tear gas after refugees reportedly threw rocks at police vans near the camp on Saturday, October 22.
French police fire tear gas after refugees reportedly threw rocks at police vans near the camp on Saturday, October 22.
Claire Thomas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A view of the migrant camp in Calais on Wednesday, October 12.
A view of the migrant camp in Calais on Wednesday, October 12.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Refugees in Calais claimed their rights to pass to Great Britain but were pushed back by tear gas and flash grenades on Saturday, October 1.
Refugees in Calais claimed their rights to pass to Great Britain but were pushed back by tear gas and flash grenades on Saturday, October 1.
Julien Mattia/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Migrants walk past security fencing on Tuesday, September 6.
Migrants walk past security fencing on Tuesday, September 6.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
French business owners and local residents block the main road into the Port of Calais as they protest "The Jungle" on Monday, September 5.
French business owners and local residents block the main road into the Port of Calais as they protest "The Jungle" on Monday, September 5.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
This aerial view taken Tuesday, August 16, shows the tents and shipping containers housing migrants in "The Jungle."
This aerial view taken Tuesday, August 16, shows the tents and shipping containers housing migrants in "The Jungle."
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
A French riot policeman stands near graffiti during the dismantling of the southern part of "The Jungle" migrant camp on Thursday, March 10. The graffiti reads "London calling," a reference to how the camp has become notorious for migrants and refugees trying to enter the UK illegally.
A French riot policeman stands near graffiti during the dismantling of the southern part of "The Jungle" migrant camp on Thursday, March 10. The graffiti reads "London calling," a reference to how the camp has become notorious for migrants and refugees trying to enter the UK illegally.
DENIS CHARLET/AFP/Getty Images
A man sews the lips of an Iranian migrant at the camp on Thursday, March 3. Journalists said at least nine Iranians stitched their mouths shut and went on a hunger strike to protest the camp's dismantling.
A man sews the lips of an Iranian migrant at the camp on Thursday, March 3. Journalists said at least nine Iranians stitched their mouths shut and went on a hunger strike to protest the camp's dismantling.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants stand next to a burning shack in the camp on Tuesday, March 1.
Migrants stand next to a burning shack in the camp on Tuesday, March 1.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
A migrant makes a phone call near "The Jungle" on March 1.
A migrant makes a phone call near "The Jungle" on March 1.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
A woman fights with a police officer as she is removed from the top of a hut on March 1. Police and demolition teams were starting to dismantle makeshift shelters and relocating people to accommodations nearby.
A woman fights with a police officer as she is removed from the top of a hut on March 1. Police and demolition teams were starting to dismantle makeshift shelters and relocating people to accommodations nearby.
Carl Court/Getty Images
Migrants demonstrate on Monday, February 29.
Migrants demonstrate on Monday, February 29.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Riot police spray water on migrants to disperse them during the dismantling of half of "The Jungle" on February 29.
Riot police spray water on migrants to disperse them during the dismantling of half of "The Jungle" on February 29.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
A migrant flies a kite on Friday, February 19.
A migrant flies a kite on Friday, February 19.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants walk past housing containers in "The Jungle" on Tuesday, February 16.
Migrants walk past housing containers in "The Jungle" on Tuesday, February 16.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Two young boys walk in the mud inside "The Jungle" in December 2015.
Two young boys walk in the mud inside "The Jungle" in December 2015.
NurPhoto/Getty Images
A man is seen among tents in "The Jungle" in October 2015.
A man is seen among tents in "The Jungle" in October 2015.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
French police oversee the removal of tents in September 2015.
French police oversee the removal of tents in September 2015.
Jenny Matthews/Corbis/Getty Images
Afghan and Pakistani migrants eat lunch in the migrant camp in August 2015.
Afghan and Pakistani migrants eat lunch in the migrant camp in August 2015.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants walk along the railway track leading to the Eurotunnel in Calais in August 2015. Migrants attempt to enter the UK illegally by stowing away on trucks, ferries, cars or trains.
Migrants walk along the railway track leading to the Eurotunnel in Calais in August 2015. Migrants attempt to enter the UK illegally by stowing away on trucks, ferries, cars or trains.
Paul Hackett/Corbis/Getty Images
A migrant hides on the train tracks in the direction of the Eurotunnel terminal in August 2015.
A migrant hides on the train tracks in the direction of the Eurotunnel terminal in August 2015.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
The home of Sami, a refugee living in the "The Jungle," is pictured in August 2015. Sami, who has lived in the camp for two months, said: "We made this house from blankets and wood and then covered it in plastic to keep the rain out. It rains often in France. I think it will rain often when I am in England, too."
The home of Sami, a refugee living in the "The Jungle," is pictured in August 2015. Sami, who has lived in the camp for two months, said: "We made this house from blankets and wood and then covered it in plastic to keep the rain out. It rains often in France. I think it will rain often when I am in England, too."
Mary Turner/Getty Images
Several migrants successfully cross the Eurotunnel terminal in July 2015 as they try to reach a shuttle to the UK.
Several migrants successfully cross the Eurotunnel terminal in July 2015 as they try to reach a shuttle to the UK.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Displaced from "The Jungle" camp, Afghan migrants congregate in Calais' harbor in September 2009.
Displaced from "The Jungle" camp, Afghan migrants congregate in Calais' harbor in September 2009.
Oli Scarff/Getty Images
A digger lifts a migrant's makeshift tent during a destruction operation in September 2009.
A digger lifts a migrant's makeshift tent during a destruction operation in September 2009.
Oli Scarff/Getty Images
An aerial view of the camp in September 2009.
An aerial view of the camp in September 2009.
COR/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants from Afghanistan look at a ferry boat in Calais in September 2009.
Migrants from Afghanistan look at a ferry boat in Calais in September 2009.
PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images
Migrants jump onto the back of a UK-bound truck in March 2006.
Migrants jump onto the back of a UK-bound truck in March 2006.
Xavier ROSSI/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
The saga of the Calais 'Jungle'
CNN  — 

The migrant camp in Calais, France, nicknamed “the Jungle,” is being demolished and the refugees who lived there are being sent around the country to begin a long resettlement process.

For the last two years, the tents and makeshift shelters that made up this camp were home to thousands of people.

But the migrants can’t carry all their belongings with them as they leave. These are some small pieces of their lives that were left behind.

A pair of dirty sneakers.
A pair of dirty sneakers.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A battered guitar.
A battered guitar.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

Hundreds of children lived in the migrant camp and many of their futures remain uncertain. Under an agreement with France, 200 of these children have been accepted by the UK, British Labour MP Caroline Flint told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Monday.

A set of colored markers.
A set of colored markers.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A child's artwork.
A child's artwork.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A leather armchair -- too big to carry -- with a blanket.
A leather armchair -- too big to carry -- with a blanket.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

Before the demolition of the camp began, up to 10,000 migrants lived here.

A rotary phone.
A rotary phone.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A prepaid calling card, worth 5 euros.
A prepaid calling card, worth 5 euros.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A dictionary to help speakers of Tigrigna, an Ethiopian language, learn English.
A dictionary to help speakers of Tigrigna, an Ethiopian language, learn English.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A self-help book, offering hope.
A self-help book, offering hope.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images