France urged by UN experts to take effective measures to bring water and sanitation services to migrants

GENEVA (4 April 2018) – UN human rights experts* are urging the Government of France to do more to provide safe drinking water, sanitation services and emergency shelter for migrants and asylum-seekers in Calais, Grande-Synthe, Tatinghem, Dieppe and other areas along the northern French coast.
“Migrants and asylum-seekers along the northern French coast, including those not admitted to the sports centre in Grande-Synthe, are facing an inhumane situation, with some living in tents without toilets and washing themselves in polluted rivers or lakes,” said Léo Heller, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to water and sanitation.
“Some efforts have been made, but not enough.
The situation along the northern French coast is emblematic of the need for much more attention from national and international authorities on this issue.” Since last year, the French Government has taken temporary steps to provide access to emergency shelter, drinking water and sanitation for some migrants and asylum seekers.
By depriving them of their rights or making access increasingly difficult, France is violating its international human rights obligations.” The experts also called for action to end harassment and intimidation of volunteers and members of NGOs providing humanitarian aid to migrants.
The Special Rapporteurs have already contacted the Government of France to seek clarification about the issues highlighted.
The UN experts: Mr. Léo Heller Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation; Mr. Felipe González Morales Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants; Mr. Michel Forst Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.
Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world.
The Universal Declaration – translated into a world record 500 languages – is rooted in the principle that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” It remains relevant to everyone, every day.

Learn More