ERRC Calls on French Authorities to Halt Planned Eviction

28 September 2012

Budapest, 28 September 2012: The ERRC is calling on authorities to postpone the evictions of around 40 Romani families who are at risk of eviction from La Courneuve, Rue du Moulin Fayvon. The Roma community includes around 30 children, 20 of whom are attending school, including three at secondary school. At least 10 individuals from the community have lived in France for more than 20 years.

The Romani people have lived on land owned by the Département of Seine Saint-Denis since May 2011. The evictions are scheduled to take place next Tuesday (2 October).

The Ombudsman has already called on the Prefecture to postpone the eviction so that the families’ individual circumstances can be taken into account. The ERRC is echoing these calls and is asking the authorities to immediately postpone the eviction and to address the situation with sustainable solutions for this community.

A recent change in law requires a social assessment (diagnostique social) to take place before any eviction of Roma. The assessment has not taken place in this instance, and there are no alternative housing solutions being offered.

The situation raises serious concerns that French authorities are failing to respect a number of obligations under international law, including protection from forced eviction, the right to adequate housing and freedom from discrimination.

For more information, contact:

Sinan Gokçen
ERRC Media and Communications Officer
sinan.gokcen@errc.org
+36.30.500.1324