Overview
- The organizations Médecins du Monde, Utopia 56, Roots, Refugee Women’s Centre, Salam and Human Rights Observers filed an emergency référé-liberté on November 18 at the Lille administrative court.
- They allege a serious, illegal breach of fundamental freedoms and seek immediate, lasting orders for water, sanitation, food distributions, minimum electricity and expanded healthcare access.
- NGOs and reporters describe catastrophic conditions in camps around Loon-Plage, Grande-Synthe and Mardyck, with scarce water points, no toilets and common respiratory illnesses.
- Estimates put the camp population at roughly 2,000–2,500 in 2025, with aid groups noting a sharp rise from about 750 and a growing share of women and children.
- Coverage notes a heavy police presence focused on deterring Channel crossings, and the lawsuit cites a 2017 Lille precedent that compelled water and sanitation in nearby Calais-area camps as the new case awaits a ruling.