Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer discussed the campaign on Thursday, shedding light on the current legal landscape while outlining the city’s efforts to assist individuals facing challenges, including victims of organised begging.
Mayor Polfer stressed the plight of those coerced into begging through human trafficking and organised schemes: “They are sent out every morning to ask passers-by on the streets to give them something. But most of this money is not for them, they have to give it [to those who exploit them].”
The awareness campaign is slated to run until mid-January. Following the awareness phase, according to the mayor, penalty notices would be issued in an effort to curb aggressive begging.
The controversial municipal regulation, recently reinstated by the new Minister of Home Affairs Léon Gloden, became widely known as a “begging ban.” In practice, the regulation represents a partial ban on begging, effective from 7am to 10pm, and implemented in specific locations, including major streets in the city centre, the Gare neighbourhood, and prominent public squares and parks.
Related
Luxembourg City: Begging ban faces criticism amid human rights concerns
Controversial begging ban: What will happen to homeless people?
Opposition parties respond: Controversial begging ban: legal challenges, criticism for government’s approach
Homeless person on begging: ‘I have to force myself to ask for money, food, or cigarettes.’Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
