More than seventy associations are denouncing a “social cleansing” in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis, as the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach. These organizations have come together under a collective named “The Other Side of the Medal” and signed an open letter on October 30th to alert the Games organizers of their “very negative impact” on the lives of “many excluded individuals.” They are concerned about the displacement of migrants to regions, police harassment against the homeless, and the unavailability of hotels for emergency housing.
The associations are worried about the creation of “reception centers” known as “sas”, which are meant to temporarily accommodate migrants and asylum seekers in an effort to prevent the establishment of makeshift camps. However, concerns have been raised that this is a way to clear the streets in preparation for the upcoming sports events.
Meanwhile, the city of Paris and the surrounding region of Île-de-France are experiencing a high demand for emergency housing, with many people, including families and children, living on the streets.
In Seine-Saint-Denis, 726 people were left without shelter despite contacting emergency services on December 5, 2023. This situation is deemed “unacceptable” by the local government, as it marks a serious issue with the reduction in emergency housing options.
Furthermore, the hospitality sector is also being impacted as hotels undergo renovations to prepare for the influx of tourists during the Games. The closure of hotels for renovations is taking away valuable emergency housing options at a time when they are most needed.
There have also been reports of increased police presence targeting the homeless, leading to a surge in evictions and the dismantling of makeshift camps. This has sparked concerns about the deployment of “security measures” to remove the homeless from public spaces.
Despite these concerns, a report from the Regional and Interdepartmental Directorate of Accommodation and Housing (Drihl) states that the impact of the Olympic Games on emergency housing capabilities appears to be limited, with the number of hotel accommodations reserved for emergency housing remaining steady.
Overall, the struggle to provide adequate emergency housing while preparing for the influx of tourists is an ongoing issue that could have long-term consequences for the most vulnerable members of society.
