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HUMAN RIGHTS: Over 70,000 sign petition to save refugee children’s cafe in Calais

Tens of thousands of people have signed a Change.org petition to save the cafe at risk of demolition in the Calais refugee camp.

The Kids’ Cafe provides 200 meals a day, English and French classes, and asylum advice.

It is at risk of being demolished alongside dozens of other restaurants, shops and amenities, and later today (Weds) a French court is expected to decide whether authorities should go ahead and knock them all down.

Knocked down? The Kids' Cafe provides 200 meals a day, English and French classes, and asylum advice

Knocked down? The Kids’ Cafe provides 200 meals a day, English and French classes, and asylum advice

Hari Reed, 23 from south London who started the petition said: “While teaching English in the Cafe I got to know many of the boys individually and it is so significant for them to have somewhere they can go to eat, play, study, charge their phones and feel secure.

“I am urging as many people as possible to sign this petition, I truly believe the demolition of this space would have a negative impact on the already difficult lives of these young people.”

The petition states: “Our cafe is a vital way to register and keep track of minors. More importantly it is one of the few spaces left the kids can call their own.

Petition: Over 70,000 people have signed a petition to save the cafe before its too late

Petition: Over 70,000 people have signed a petition to save the cafe before its too late

“The French authorities are deciding whether to close all ‘businesses’ on this date. The Kids’ Cafe is NOT a business. It is part of Jungle Books’ not-for-profit organisation, run completely on donations, and all food distributed to the kids is free.

“The food is of good quality and preparation and distribution is clean and safe. With the Kids’ Cafe gone, the jungle will simply become an even more dangerous place for unaccompanied minors.”

The result of the court hearing is due later today. 

For more information about this petition go to change.org/kidscafe or email press.uk@change.org

Written by
Change.org
August 10, 2016 9:09 am