France moves homeless people out of Paris ahead of Olympics

2024-07-14 16:01:35

In preparation for the Olympic Games from 2024, Paris has begun to transfer immigrants and homeless people to other cities in FranceParisian authorities say this measure is due to the saturation of emergency accommodation centres in the capital.

The mayor of Orleans, Serge Grouard, has denounced that more than five hundred people have been sent to his city from Paris in the last year without warning. Grouard said that since May 2023, buses have been arriving regularly every three weeks, with 30 to 50 people on each trip.

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as Doctors of the World, have criticized this measure, pointing out that it seems like an attempt at “social cleansing” before the Olympic GamesPaul Alauzy, coordinator of Doctors of the World, said: “If they just want to hide poverty and homelessness before the Olympics, without offering more resources to the host cities, this is not humanitarian.”

A homeless woman, moved from Paris to Orleans, shared her experience with Euronews: “I was advised change region due to massification in Paris because of the Olympic Games.” This testimony reinforces the idea that the Authorities seek to clear the streets of Paris before the major sporting event.

The local authorities in Loiret confirmed the figures given by the mayor of Orleans and have set up a “reception blockade”, although they assure that it is not directly linked to the Olympic Games.

The French government, which finances and organizes this mobility of homeless people, insists that Transfers are voluntary and people can choose from ten destination cities, including Rouen, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille and Lyon. Upon arrival, they are received in a temporary centre for three weeks before their final destination is decided based on their situation.

A graduate of the Bachelor’s degree in Law and Social Sciences from the Michoacana University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo, I have forged a career in the media for several years. My experience includes prominent roles as a photojournalist and co-host on local radio. In 2022, I joined the Debate team as a web reporter, where I specialize in covering news both locally in Michoacán and internationally. Currently, I focus my work on reporting on the climate in Mexico, the conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and the Middle East, as well as general news from the United States and Latin America such as Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, among others, without losing sight of issues of global interest, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and climate change. In addition to my commitment to quality journalism, I have a passionate interest in women’s rights and advocate for their promotion through my work.

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2024-07-14 16:01:35