REPORT: French-Spain border, a main crossing point for migrants in Europe (ENG)

The Franco-Spanish border has become one of the main points of passage of migrants in Europe: whether to reach France or to continue their route to other countries. Médecins Sans Frontières teams regularly visit French border areas to document the situation on site and provide local support to local stakeholders. It is in the context of these activities with migrants, that MSF visited the Basque Country in Bayonne, Irun and Hendaye in December 2018.

La frontière franco-espagnole est devenue l’un des principaux points de passage des migrants en Europe : que ce soit pour rejoindre la France ou pour continuer leur route vers d’autres pays. Les équipes de Médecins Sans Frontières se rendent régulièrement dans les zones frontalières françaises pour documenter la situation sur place et apporter un appui ponctuel aux acteurs locaux. C’est dans le cadre de ces activités auprès des personnes migrantes, que MSF s’est rendue dans le Pays basque à Bayonne, Irun et Hendaye en décembre 2018.

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REPORT: French-Spain border, a main crossing point for migrants in Europe (ES)

Subt. Spanish

REPORT: French-Spain border, a main crossing point for migrants in Europe (INT)

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REPORT: French-Spain border, a main crossing point for migrants in Europe (FR)

Subt. French

REPORT: Migrants crossing the France-Spain border

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Unique Identifier Code / URN MSF258780

Date taken / Date Recorded 15/12/2018 12:00 AM

Country France

Commissioning section MSF-FRANCE

Photographer / videographer / producer Mohammad Ghannam

Usage Rights (MSF) External Media, MSF Fundraising, MSF Publications, Social Media

Formal Consent Copy available no

Editor's rating ★★★ (F)

Video format h264 (Main) (avc1 / 0x31637661)

Duration 2m10s

Maximum Size 1920px × 1080px 212.23 MB

Additional Information / Shotlist Script

Hi. I’m coming up to the Saint-Jacques Bridge that crosses the river Bidassoa, the border between France and Spain.

Every day lots of people try to cross this bridge to get to France, the final stage in their journeys for some and a country to pass through for others.

Border between France and Spain

In 2015, over one million people arrived in Europe. In 2016, 360,000 and in 2017, 172,000. In 2018, they were 116,000.

As you can see, less and less people are coming to Europe. But the routes they take are changing.

The Spanish route has been used for some time. But, since Italy toughened up its migration policies, Spain looks the better option for people forced to flee their countries.

Applying for asylum in the country where somebody arrives is a fundamental and human right that should be respected. But every day, adults and children alike are sent back from here to the other side of the border.

MSF has seen it is impossible
for adults and minors
to apply for asylum in France

They try crossing over on trains, buses, or on foot, but end up blocked on the other side of the border. When the French police arrest them, they contact their Spanish colleagues, they meet on one or other side of the border and hand them over.

Then, after what can be a very swift visit to the Spanish police station to verify people’s identities, they’re often released, frequently after dark.

So, these people, most on their way to Bayonne, other French towns or much farther afield, end up roaming the streets, alone and helpless.

France’s Interior Ministry’s announcement that it would increase police numbers on the border and work more closely with Spain will not dissuade people from attempting to cross.

Nor will it make any difference to the reasons and circumstances that decided people to flee. Quite the contrary, it will expose them to more danger and push them into taking even greater risks.

During its fact-finding mission
MSF donated hygiene kits and blankets to local associations.