France

Recent News

News

Apr 28 2010

Background to the French commission on the burqa and niqab

As Belgium and France move to ban the burqa, the IRR European Race Audit (ERA) publishes today a briefing paper on 'The background to the French parliamentary commission on the burqa and niqab'.

News

Feb 11 2010

How the extreme Right hijacks direct democracy

The IRR European Race Audit (ERA) publishes today two briefing papers on the Swiss referendum against minarets and the ways in which direct democracy can be hijacked by the extreme Right.

Interview

Mar 5 2009

No glory days for immigrant elders in France

An interview with Boualem Azahoum, an activist with DiverCités and El Ghorba in Lyon.

Interview

Mar 5 2009

Speaking for the youth of the banlieues

An interview with Abdul Zahiri, an activist with ACJ REV in Avignon.

Interview

Mar 5 2009

A Muslim feminist in France speaks out

An interview with Zahra Ali, president of Al Houda, a Muslim women's organisation.

Comment

Oct 9 2008

Organising in the banlieues

An interview with Pierre Didier, president of the Social Forum of the Banlieues.

News

Jun 5 2008

A tribute to Abdelhakim Ajimi

A death in police custody in south-east France is causing community concern.

Comment

Jul 12 2006

Racism and Islamophobia in France: the far Right and the grassroots

In debates surrounding the complex social, political and economic situation that France is facing, the far Right has continued to exercise its political voice. Yet young people from the banlieues (suburbs), many of whom are affected by racism and discrimination as part of their everyday lives, suffer from a dearth of political representation and are depicted as anomic, apolitical 'casseurs' - thugs intent on destroying the very fabric of French society rather than developing their own political voice.

Comment

Jan 18 2006

Understanding the riots in France

Excerpts from 'France: the riots and the Republic' an article which will be published in Race & Class, April, 2006.

Review

Feb 16 2005

Bienvenue en France!

In a new book, an undercover journalist exposes the shocking treatment of detainees at France's ZAPI 3 holding centre.

May 1 2003

After Sangatte – assistance criminalised

Calais residents who dare to help asylum seekers in northern France are being criminalised by the French authorities, according to the Kent Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers.

Comment

Apr 1 1997

The ballad of the ‘sans papiers’

According to the National Coordination of Sans Papiers, the movement of undocumented workers, 'This struggle is becoming a central issue in French politics and life.'