Paris opens its first official refugee camps

World Today

paris-opens-its-first-official-refugee-camps

Paris is opening its first official refugee camps. The aim is to get people out of makeshift tent-camps around the city and into proper shelters.

CCTV’s Kate Parkinson reports from Paris.
Follow Kate Parkinson on Twitter @katecctvnews

The derelict building in northern Paris was going to be knocked down and converted into a home for around 400 people. There is building work going on all around and it’s still a work in progress but things are coming along.

The camp will be divided into eight little neighborhoods. The architect aims to create a space that’s both comfortable and welcoming.

However, the camps will only host new arrivals as they get their bearings and decide whether they want to seek asylum. Paris officials also say for the system to work, the government needs to provide more places to accommodate asylum seekers while their claims are processed.