Paris 2024: A Surge in 'Social Cleansing' Amid Olympic Preparations
A consortium of 102 associations under the collective 'Le revers de la médaille' ('The other side of the coin') has released a report documenting a marked increase in 'social cleansing' across France, specifically targeting vulnerable groups. This surge coincides with the upcoming Paris Olympics, to be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The report highlights that over 12,545 individuals in precarious situations have been evicted from street camps, occupied houses, and other informal settlements.
Increased Evictions and Police Pressure
The report reveals a staggering 40% increase in evictions and 3,000 fewer accommodation places in the Paris region since 2023. Vulnerable groups, including those involved in prostitution and drug use, have not been spared. Paul Rey-Fauvinet from Aides, an organization working with crack users in Paris, observes a significant uptick in police presence in areas known for drug use. 'We have never seen so much repression. It is the impact of the Olympic Games,' he stated.
The harsh reality of this social cleansing is further exemplified by the situation in the Bois de Vincennes, where prostitutes are frequently expelled. 'Police patrols are now accompanied by prefectural agents who often carry out administrative controls in a very violent manner,' said Aurélia Huot, a lawyer at the Paris Solidarity Bar Association.
The Olympics as a Catalyst
Associations like Médecins du Monde, Secours Catholique, and Emmaüs France have noticed a pattern: many of these evictions are linked to the preparations for the 2024 Olympics. In several raids, such as in Lille and Bordeaux, authorities have explicitly cited the Olympics as the reason for clearing out informal settlements. The report also indicates that in April 2023, the Unibéton squat next to the Olympic village in Saint-Denis was evacuated, highlighting the direct influence of the Games on social policy.
The plight of the homeless is becoming increasingly dire as public spaces in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis are heavily controlled. 'It’s untenable for homeless people,' stressed Lila Cherief from Secours Catholique. With reception facilities already saturated, those evicted have little option but to stay in public spaces, which are now under strict surveillance.
The collective has called upon the State to act urgently. 'The City of Paris is ready to open 1,000 emergency accommodation places, but it requires the prefecture's agreement,' stated Paul Alauzy from Médecins du Monde. The situation demands immediate intervention to prevent further humanitarian crises, particularly as the Olympic Games draw nearer.
- The collective 'Le revers de la médaille' is steadfast in its resolve to highlight and combat the ongoing repression of France's most vulnerable populations. Its members are slated to meet with officials, including representatives of the Defender of Rights, Claire Hédon, to advocate for better treatment and fairer policies.
- The report also points out that many of the displaced individuals have been moved outside the Paris region, often without proper consent or guarantees of long-term accommodation. These displacements have significant repercussions on the lives of those affected, often leaving them to fend for themselves in unfamiliar areas.
- Meanwhile, the Aides association has reported numerous expulsions around metro stations, negatively impacting their harm reduction support centers. The 'strong' police presence, aided by an order prohibiting gatherings, has further marginalized these vulnerable groups, undermining the essential services provided by organizations like Aides.
- The 'Le revers de la médaille' collective has launched a public awareness campaign, including putting up 3,000 posters in Paris, to bring attention to these issues. They are prepared to take further action during the Olympic Games if their concerns are not addressed by the authorities.
