Arthur Helmbacher, in Strasbourg 7:49 pm, August 25, 2021, modified at 7:52 pm, August 25, 2021

After the exfiltration of 2,000 people from Afghanistan, France is organizing to welcome the refugees on its territory.

No less than 150 of them are expected in Strasbourg on Thursday.

They will be supported by the Foyer Notre-Dame association, which has been requested by the State to welcome them as humanely as possible, without forgetting the security aspect.

REPORTING

The prefect of Bas-Rhin, Josiane Chevalier, announced Wednesday at a press conference that Strasbourg would welcome 150 Afghan nationals on Thursday.

These refugees are among the 2,000 people evacuated by plane to France since the Taliban took power on August 15.

They will be accommodated for one month in a hotel requisitioned by the prefecture.

The Foyer Notre-Dame association, directed by Arnaud Fritsch, was chosen by the State services to welcome them in the best possible conditions.

A major human and logistical challenge to take up, given the urgency of the situation. 

"We will do everything to be operational"

“We were asked a little less than 48 hours ago to set up this emergency reception system”, tells Arnaud Fritsch to Europe 1. “And then behind, we started to mobilize security and catering service providers . " A few hours before the refugees arrive by bus, the members of the association get busy. "Things are far from being stalled at the time I speak to you", underlined Thursday afternoon the general manager of the association. "But we will do everything to be operational. I will not hide from you that I have not been sleeping much for two days."

Acting urgently, yes, but not just any old way.

The Foyer Notre-Dame will be able to count on the help of health professionals and other associations such as the Red Cross to meet the physical and psychological needs of the refugees.

"We need seasoned professionals to welcome populations who have suffered trauma and for the care to be as qualitative as possible. The needs assessment will be carried out on site", explained Josiane Chevalier, before specifying that the reception would also include a "security component". 

Reassure Strasbourg residents 

If we do not yet know the profile of these refugees who have recently arrived in Roissy, the prefect of Bas-Rhin has indicated that the DGSI is studying their files.

"And if, of course, there are cases that are reported, we will follow them with the greatest attention locally," she added.

One way to reassure Strasbourg residents while five Afghans repatriated to France have been placed under surveillance for alleged links with the Taliban.

For her part, Jeanne Barseghian, the ecological mayor of Strasbourg, was delighted to welcome these 150 exiles to her city, a fine proof of "solidarity" and "collective responsibility".

Refugees and their families will be able to start applying for asylum within three weeks at most.