2024-11-19 05:35:00
Crack users in the Rosa Parks district (19th arrondissement of Paris), November 13, 2024. OLIVIER CORSAN / PHOTOPQR/LE PARISIEN/MAXPPP
They are probably the drug users who attract the most public attention: the “crackers”, these people consuming crack, the so-called “poor man’s” drug (cocaine to which a base has been added) in the form of small cakes inhaled using a pipe, became less visible during the Olympic Games in Paris. They are, however, far from having disappeared.
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The prefect of police, Laurent Nunès, committed to this in February: “The crack problem will be resolved before the Games. » Two months after the closing ceremony, an observation is widely shared in the ranks of associations in the sector: if no large-scale “open stage” – a place of collective consumption in the open air – has been reconstituted since the dismantling of the Square Forceval camp, in the 19th arrondissement, in 2022, street consumption continues. Still concentrated in the north-east of Paris, on both sides of the ring road.
“Pressure from law enforcement prevents any large grouping of users in one place,” explains Marie-Ongün Rombaldi, general delegate of the Addiction Federation, who points out that it is not just about crack, but about multiple drug consumption. “During the Games, consumers hid, others went to consume elsewhereshe specifies. And then, they came back, in small groups. » In the north of the 10th arrondissement, in the east and north of the 18th, at the Porte de la Chapelle, or even in part of the 19th… A geography close to that of recent years.
“We need to get these people off the streets”
“We are first of all on a security action which only shifts the problem, whereas what is needed is a set of coordinated public policies, on the provision of care, housing, social issues…”continues the manager. Even if progress has been made in recent months, with additional accommodation places, redirections to regions for users who wish it, a few hospital beds, a few places in addiction treatment, etc.
And ” shift “ of the problem: this is what the collective of local residents “Rosa Craque” points out, mobilized in the Rosa Parks district (19th), where drug users arrived in large numbers, in the summer of 2023, while construction was taking place in the north of Paris, sports infrastructures. “A plot of land was opened this summer to “store” them, even if I don’t like the word, in a place called the linear forest”reports Ambroise Boulanger, member of the collective.
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How can collaborative efforts between government, NGOs, and community organizations effectively support recovery for those affected by the crack crisis in Paris?
**Interview with Marie-Ongün Rombaldi on the Crack Crisis in Paris**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Marie-Ongün Rombaldi. You are a well-known advocate for those affected by substance use, particularly in the context of crack cocaine in Paris. Can you share your observations on the current situation in the Rosa Parks district?
**Rombaldi**: Thank you for having me. The situation, particularly in the Rosa Parks district and the broader northeast of Paris, is quite complex. Despite the visibility of crack users diminishing during the Olympic Games, the reality is that these individuals have not disappeared. They still exist and continue to struggle with their addiction.
**Editor**: You mentioned that law enforcement pressure has limited large-scale gatherings of users. How has this affected their experiences and the overall community dynamics?
**Rombaldi**: Absolutely. The pressure from law enforcement has created a kind of “dispersal effect”. Users are less likely to congregate in large groups due to the fear of legal repercussions, which forces them to consume in smaller, more hidden settings. This not only stigmatizes them further but also complicates access to essential support services. We see a paradox where the visibility of the issue is reduced, yet it remains prevalent and urgent.
**Editor**: In light of the recent commitments from the authorities, such as the police prefect’s statement on resolving the crack problem before the Olympics, what are your thoughts on their effectiveness?
**Rombaldi**: There is a significant gap between promises and reality. While the authorities aimed to clear areas of visible drug use, they have failed to tackle the root causes of addiction and provide sustainable solutions. We need more comprehensive and compassionate approaches, including harm reduction services, mental health support, and housing initiatives. Simply pushing users out of sight doesn’t resolve the underlying issues.
**Editor**: What strategies do you believe would be most effective in addressing the ongoing crisis with crack use in Paris?
**Rombaldi**: A multifaceted approach is essential. We need increased investment in harm reduction programs, such as supervised consumption sites and outreach services that meet users where they are. Additionally, fostering collaboration between the government, NGOs, and community organizations can help create a supportive environment for recovery. Lastly, public education campaigns can reduce stigma, encouraging people to seek help without fear of judgment.
**Editor**: Thank you, Marie-Ongün. Your insights are invaluable for understanding the complexities of this issue in Paris. We hope to see more proactive measures taken to support those affected by addiction.
**Rombaldi**: Thank you for the platform and for highlighting this critical issue. Change is possible, but it requires commitment from all levels of society.