January 14, 2014
French authorities evicted more than 21 537 Roma migrants in 2013, more than double the total for 2012, official data showed.
“Law enforcement officers carried out 165 evictions affecting almost 19 380 people. Forced evictions continued almost everywhere without credible alternative housing solutions or social support,” the Human Rights League (LDH) and the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) informed.
In comparison, some 9 404 Roma were forcibly evicted in 2012 and 8 455 in 2011, according to data provided by the same organizations.
France has been strongly criticized by various NGOs regarding the hostile approach towards the Roma population in the country.
“We’re calling for an immediate end to France’s disastrous approach to Roma: forced evictions, disregarding France’s obligations under international and European treaties, cannot continue,” said Dezideriu Gergely, executive director, ERRC.
“Beyond the practical implementation of the 26 August bylaw, we also call for a real integration policy for those people at risk of poverty or social exclusion.”
Approximately 20 000 Roma from Bulgaria and Romania reside in France, often in temporary, illegal camps in the city outskirts.
Source: Novinite
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