As the 2025 school year commences, UNICEF reports that over 2,000 children are sleeping rough on the streets of France, a 30% increase since 2022.
The report, released on August 28, 2025, indicates that 2,159 children, including 503 under the age of three, had no shelter on the night of August 18. This marks a 6% rise compared to 2024 and a 30% increase since 2022.
Adeline Hazan, president of UNICEF France, expressed outrage over the escalating numbers, stating, “Every year, we witness with outrage that a growing number of children are sleeping on the streets, exposed to degrading living conditions and daily dangers.”
The report highlights that the actual number may be higher, as it only accounts for children whose families contacted the emergency housing hotline, 115. Many families refrain from calling due to the unlikelihood of receiving assistance.
The Federation of Solidarity Actors (FAS) and the Collective of Associations for Housing (CAL) have criticized the government’s response, urging immediate action to address the crisis. They emphasize that the lack of emergency shelters and long-term housing solutions are contributing factors.
The rise in child homelessness is attributed to several factors, including insufficient emergency shelters, inadequate housing policies, and economic challenges faced by families. Advocacy groups are calling for comprehensive reforms to ensure that no child is left without a safe place to sleep.
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