Paris Cultural Venue Occupied by Migrant Youth Demanding Shelter and Rights

Nearly 250 unaccompanied minors have occupied the Gaîté Lyrique for six days, citing unsafe living conditions and lack of state support.

The occupation of the Gaîté Lyrique by the Collectif des Jeunes du Parc de Belleville began on December 10, with participants seeking shelter and recognition of their rights as minors.
The group is demanding durable housing solutions, access to education, healthcare, and public transport, as well as acknowledgment of their legal status as minors.
The cultural venue has experienced significant financial losses due to canceled events, but its management supports the group's demands and has urged the authorities to intervene with sustainable solutions.
Paris city officials have proposed using a vacant high school building to house some of the minors but criticized the lack of cooperation from state and regional authorities.
The occupation follows previous successful efforts by the group, which have led to the creation of hundreds of shelter spaces and educational opportunities for young migrants.