Migrants in France granted shelter in church

Authorities in France have allowed approximately 60 migrants to take refuge in a church in Lyon, after months of living in tents.

The group, which includes some minors, moved into the Saint-Polycarpe church in the city's 1st arrondissement on November 23. This action was authorised by local authorities, with no police intervention following consultations with both the church's representatives and officials, according to Le Figaro, Caliber.Az reports.

The migrants had been living in tents for nearly 10 months, enduring difficult conditions, and were forced to seek shelter indoors as winter temperatures set in. The public organisation Croix-Rousse Supporters/Migrants, which has been advocating for better housing conditions for the displaced individuals, stated that the onset of cold weather had made it clear that immediate action was needed.

According to the group, authorities had been warned about the approaching winter for weeks but failed to provide adequate housing options for the migrants. In a statement, the organisation criticised government agencies for either ignoring their calls for help or claiming there were no available accommodations.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing the housing needs of migrants in France, as public pressure grows for more sustainable solutions to provide shelter during the colder months.

By Sabina Mammadli