Activists urge Paris Olympics organizers to respect the rights of migrants and homeless people

By ANGELA CHARLTON
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Aid groups and social justice activists have appealed to French authorities to protect the rights of thousands of migrants and others living on the streets as the Paris region prepares for next year’s Olympic Games. More than 70 nongovernmental organizations issued a letter Monday to Paris region authorities, the Olympics organizing committee and Olympic sponsors warning of a risk of ‘’social cleansing’’ of society’s most marginalized. Paris police routinely clear out tent camps housing migrants from around the world, citing public health and safety. Organizers have promised to make the Games socially and environmentally responsible.