As the Olympic Games approach, the evacuation of camps, slums, and squats seems to be intensifying in the Ile-de-France region, particularly in Seine-Saint-Denis. Several associations, part of the collective “Le revers de la médaille,” denounce this as a form of social cleansing. In response, the government has promised 200 emergency accommodation spots in Paris. Additionally, temporary reception centers have been established in the region to alleviate congestion in Ile-de-France, with individuals being moved to another region for about twenty days.
However, these measures have faced criticism from some associations, such as Elina Dumont, vice-president of the Committee de la rue from the association Entourage. In a video, she expresses outrage at the displacement of vulnerable populations. The Prefecture of Ile-de-France, on the other hand, denies any “zero homeless” objective for the 2024 Olympics. To learn more about this topic, readers are encouraged to read the article below.
This subject was developed as part of the “Terrains de Jeux” project, supported by Visa, a global partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Until November 2024, eight young individuals, accompanied by journalists from Le Monde, will share their perspective on the Olympic year from Seine-Saint-Denis through articles, videos, and podcasts. They were identified by the association Sport dans la ville as part of a partnership with Visa aimed at promoting the professional integration of youth from priority neighborhoods. Le Monde’s editorial team is responsible for selecting topics and content.
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In summary, the efforts to evacuate camps, slums, and squats in preparation for the Olympic Games have sparked controversy and accusations of social cleansing in the Ile-de-France region, particularly in Seine-Saint-Denis. While the government has offered emergency accommodation spots and established temporary reception centers as part of their response, these measures have been met with criticism from some associations. The “Terrains de Jeux” project, supported by Visa, aims to provide a platform for young individuals from Seine-Saint-Denis to share their perspectives on the Olympic year. All these initiatives shape the ongoing dialogue surrounding social issues in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
