Donders highlighted the poor conditions faced by migrants in Calais and Grande-Synthe, where French authorities, enforcing a zero-occupation policy, dismantle temporary shelters every 48 hours, occasionally using excessive force. A similar situation persists on Mayotte, where the “Operation Wambushu” has been underway since February 2023. Additionally, the committee raised concerns about the detention of migrants at the French-Italian border.
According to Donders, a migration law passed in January 2024 expanded the grounds for deportation to include minor offenses and potential threats to public order. The law also permits administrative detention of foreign nationals without valid grounds for deportation, raising similar concerns for migrant rights in Mayotte.
Professor Šurlan noted incidents of injuries sustained by protesters due to excessive police force during the May unrest in New Caledonia. She stressed the importance of transparent reporting on investigations and punishments to restore public trust in the system. Furthermore, Šurlan expressed alarm over overcrowded prisons in France and its overseas territories, where inhumane conditions continue to prevail.
