Forced evacuation of Roma Camp by local residents in Marseilles
Thursday, 27 September 2012, thirty inhabitants of the 15th district of Marseille forced to flee some Roma families settled nearby a few days ago and burned the remains of their camp. This punitive expedition was premeditated. The inhabitants had informed the authorities about their actions in the case if Roma do not leave the vicinity of the city.
The operation reveals the stark atmosphere in some areas of the city where poverty and frustrations accumulated led the population to these extreme reactions. The inhabitants explain that their actions were provoked by thefts and they decided to react themselves as authorities responded that “they could do nothing”.
On Sunday, the group of about 40 Roma adults and 15 children settled down on the premises of an abandoned car concessionaire in another district of Marseille.
The situation of Roma in France remains extremely worrying despite the signature on the 26th of August of the inter - ministerial circular on anticipation and support for evacuation of illegal camps. The circular marks a change in the authorities’ discourse and demonstrates their willingness to respond to precarious situations experienced by Roma. According to the circular, the use of emergency accommodation should be sought prior to the evacuation. In some cases the construction of a temporary reception site can be considered in order to stabilize the situation of Roma and to promote their integration. The circular highlights the necessity to respect the right to the medical care and secondary education.
But on the spot evacuations without alternative proposition for living areas continue in many cities (Lille, Lyon, Evry, Marseille, Stains).
Sources:
- Le Monde, 29.09.2012, Breve, http://www.lemonde.fr/web/recherche_breve/1,13-0,37-1210342,0.html?xtmc=roms&xtcr=1, Accessed on 01.10.2012.
- Le Point, 28.09.2012, Marseille : "On s'est dit qu'il y avait trop de Roms" (Marseilles: "We said that there were too many Roma"), http://www.lepoint.fr/politique/marseille-on-s-est-dit-qu-il-y-avait-trop-de-roms-28-09-2012-1511461_20.php, Accessed on 01.10.2012.
- Le Point, 30.09.2012, Roms : de refuge en refuge (Roma: From refuge to refuge), http://www.lepoint.fr/societe/roms-de-refuge-en-refuge-30-09-2012-1511916_23.php, Accessed on 01.10.2012.
