France Condemned by European Court of Human Rights Over Treatment of Asylum Seekers
Five asylum seekers, including an Iranian, have filed a complaint against the French government over its treatment of asylum seekers. The European Court of Human Rights has examined this complaint and convicted France to pay compensation.
The European Court of Human Rights has condemned France for “degrading treatment” of asylum seekers.
According to Frankfurter Allgemeine, the EU body announced with reference to complaints from several migrants that they sleep on the streets, lack access to sanitation facilities, have no means of livelihood, and constantly live in fear of being attacked and robbed.
The European Court of Human Rights, based in Strasbourg, announced on Thursday, July 2, that in examining this case, it became clear that the French government did not show sufficient “respect” for the “dignity” of these asylum seekers.
The court initially identified the complainants as five male asylum seekers and says its search for one of the complainants did not succeed. Ultimately, the court upheld the complaint of three claimants and condemned France to pay between 10,000 to approximately 12,400 euros to each of them.
The claimants have accused the French government of evading their financial support for months and providing them with no assistance whatsoever. The claimants were from Iran, Afghanistan, Georgia, and Russia.
Tent camps on the outskirts of Paris
The European Court of Human Rights states that during the examination of their asylum applications, the claimants had to live in tents on the streets.
The court announced: “The court has concluded that French authorities did not fulfill their duties toward asylum applicants in accordance with this country’s domestic laws.”
Migrant tent camps can be seen most of all in Paris, on the outskirts of the city, under bridges or along highways. These migrants depend on aid from relief organizations.
In these camps, often more than a thousand people live. The tents are constantly dismantled by police and shortly after rebuilt by migrants.
Source: DW
