A prefectural decree taken on September 10 prohibits certain associations from distributing food to migrants in the center of Calais.

It carries "serious and obviously illegal attacks (...) to several fundamental freedoms", point out the associations.

Migrant advocates seized the Lille administrative court on Wednesday to request the suspension of a prefectural decree which prohibits certain associations from distributing food in the center of Calais.

They denounce an attack on "fundamental freedoms".

In a decree of September 10, the prefecture of Pas-de-Calais banned, until the end of the month, "any free distribution of drinks and food" carried out by an association not mandated by the State in about twenty streets, quays and squares in the center of this city, emblematic of the migration crisis of 2015. The authorities invoked, in this text, the health risks in the context of Covid-19 and public health.

A dozen associations mobilized

This decree carries "serious and clearly illegal attacks (...) to several fundamental freedoms", estimate twelve NGOs and associations, including Secours Catholique or the Federation of Solidarity Actors, who ask for "immediate suspension" in an appeal. consulted by AFP.

A summary judge is due to examine their request on Friday.

"The acceleration of policies of eviction of land, forced transfers far from Calaisis and daily harassment since July 10 is concomitant with a restriction of access to vital services such as water, food, etc. 'hygiene and care ", denounce these organizations, estimating between 1,000 and 1,500 the exiles present in the region.

Calais, a "laboratory" for migrants?

The prefectural text is "offensive to the right to dignity, to the principle of fraternity, to the possibility of helping others, and ends up prohibiting, in practice, all distributions and donations in the city center, including those of ordinary citizens" , comments Patrice Spinosi, who represents the requesting organizations.

For him, the decree is all the more serious as it could become oil stain: "We know that the city of Calais functions as a laboratory with regard to migrants" and that this "solution could be taken up by other cities, ”he fears.

"We were stunned by this decision which opens a considerable breach. A red line has been crossed. This desire to oppose state operators and charitable associations is perverse and devastating for social cohesion", indignant Laurent Giovannoni, responsible for migration issues at Secours Catholique.