Posted on December 30, 2024
Statement from UNICEF France, following the announcement of the “Mayotte standing” post-cyclone Chido plan
Paris, December 30– “UNICEF France takes note of the measures announced by the Prime Minister as part of the “Mayotte standing” plan and expresses its deep concern about the absence of sufficient measures taken to guarantee the protection of all the children of Mayotte.
While one in two inhabitants is a child on the island, they urgently need access to suitable and secure shelter, drinking water, electricity, care and education. , it is urgent and fundamental to respond specifically to their needs and provide massive resources.
We denounce the priority given to the deportation to the border of foreign families housed in emergency shelters and the closure of centers to the detriment of lasting shelter for all families. We also share our concern about the possibility of sorting that could take place between children, particularly when it comes to sending certain children to France to ensure the right to education. The population census must not be carried out to the detriment of the rights of the child but represent an opportunity to meet the needs of all children.
We ask to guarantee and ensure in words and in actions the universality and unconditionality of the response to the crisis, by applying the principle of non-discrimination.
UNICEF France stands at the disposal of François Bayrou's government so that the best interests of the child are taken into account in the development of the next legal texts on Mayotte. “.
