The French police removed dozens of migrants, including families with young children, from the forecourt of Paris City Hall as the capital prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games. About 50 people, mostly women and children aged 3 months to 10 years, were removed by police, who bundled them up in strollers, blankets, or plastic sheets to protect against the rain. The migrants were relocated to temporary local government housing in the town of Besançon in eastern France. Aid workers are concerned that this action may be the beginning of a broader effort by Paris authorities to clear out migrants sleeping rough in the capital before the summer Olympics without offering long-term housing solutions.
Yann Manzi, a member of the migrant aid group Utopia 56, described the police operation as social cleansing to make way for the Olympic Games. Olympics organizers have stated that they are collaborating with aid groups to find solutions for those living on the streets, including many who have traveled to Paris from around the world seeking refuge or employment. The families removed from the forecourt of City Hall come from French-speaking African countries such as Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, and have been sleeping outside the Paris monument for varying lengths of time. Aid organizations like Utopia 56 have been providing them with food, blankets, and temporary lodging.
One mother, Fatoumata, from Guinea, spent a month sleeping on the streets of Paris with her two children, aged 3 months and 3 years, before being relocated to temporary housing. She expressed relief at the prospect of life being better outside the capital and boarding the bus with her children. Fatoumata mentioned that they were told they were going to the provinces, which is preferable to sleeping outside with children, but requested her full name not be published due to lack of residency papers. The Paris Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.
The concern among aid workers is that the removal of migrants and others from the streets of Paris may continue in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games. Critics argue that this approach of clearing out homeless individuals without providing long-term housing solutions is insufficient and fails to address the root causes of homelessness. The issue raises questions about the impact of major international events on vulnerable populations in host cities and the importance of addressing social issues alongside sporting celebrations. It remains to be seen how Paris authorities will handle the situation in the lead-up to the Olympics and what support will be provided to those in need in the city.
The relocation of migrants and families from City Hall to temporary housing in Besançon highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Paris, particularly in the context of major events like the Olympic Games. The efforts of aid organizations like Utopia 56 to provide immediate assistance to those in need underscore the importance of community support and solidarity in addressing issues of homelessness and displacement. As preparations for the Paris Games continue, it is essential for authorities to prioritize the well-being of all residents, including migrants and homeless individuals, and ensure that sustainable solutions are in place to support those in need beyond temporary relocations.
