Last July, the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes put an end to it. Indeed, 488 people housed in accommodation structures of the 115, which offers social establishment centers, were informed of their imminent eviction.
Isolated women with children or victims of domestic violence, families with babies, people awaiting residence permits, the sick and disabled with residence permits, refugees and numerous asylum seekers in the process are now plunged into precarious situations. With dread, more than 80 families have sought help from associations like Secours Catholique, Doctors of the World, and Mouvement du Nid in hopes of avoiding becoming homeless. Beyond the immigration policies orchestrated by the department, it is the manner of execution that outrages some observers.
“This situation is unacceptable on more than one level.”
Karin Topin-Condomitti, General Manager of Services in Cannes.
The issue, far from unnoticed, will take on proportions equal to its consequences: “the city hall was not informed and therefore its services could not organize. This takes place during a heatwave, at an orange alert level, and consequently, shelters will be necessary. In fact, it is again a shift of responsibilities to the municipalities and the associations they fund.” commented the City of Cannes.
Christine Panaïotis, president of Cimade 06, speaks of an organization that leaves much to be desired: “we are shocked by the number and the manner. Some were notified by mail or SMS. Others, it was the hotelier who came to knock on the door saying, in two days you must leave.” Indeed, article L345-2-3 of the Social Action and Family Code is clear. It prescribes that “any person received in an emergency accommodation structure must be able to benefit from personalized support and remain there, as long as they wish, until an orientation is offered to them.”
The Alpes-Maritimes prefecture explains
After the general indignation, the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes sought to clarify things. It recalls that “more than 2,500 people are currently supported by the State in places dedicated to the emergency accommodation of vulnerable public in the department. And, in order to preserve the reception capacities for people to be protected, the State services, with their partner managing the 115, conducted a review of the situation of the individuals currently housed in hotels.” The prefect assures that all cases were subject to a thorough individual review.
The profile of the residents concerns “people without residence permits, most of whom are under OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory) and who have not accepted the voluntary return assistance offered. Asylum seekers who have been directed to the French Office for Immigration and Integration, which manages a housing stock dedicated to this public. And individuals with professional activities who refuse to contribute to their accommodation, as well as those not adhering to social support and/or not communicating about their procedures.”
A legal battle on the horizon?
A few weeks ago, Cimade 06 and Secours Catholique had demanded accommodation solutions for asylum seekers. This did not count on the city hall of Nice, which subsequently filed a summary proceeding to evacuate migrants from the vicinity of the Vœu church. This request was rejected by the Administrative Court of Nice, considering that the presence of the migrants around the Vœu church caused no disturbance to public order and nothing justified their expulsion. The City has decided to appeal to the Council of State to continue its action.
