For several months now, the Palexpo temporary accommodation center in Geneva has been at the heart of an alarming health crisis. Ukrainian refugees, housed there as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, have had to cope not only with precarious living conditions, but also with a persistent infestation of bed bugs and sanitation problems caused by bird droppings. These conditions have turned their daily lives into a veritable nightmare.
Persistent bed bug infestation
Bed bugs, known to feed on human blood and cause painful bites, have been infesting Hall 7 at Palexpo since October 2022. These parasites, which are particularly difficult to eradicate, proliferate in mattresses and furniture, creating an unbearable situation for the 400 refugees housed there. Despite ongoing disinfection efforts undertaken by Hospice général, the organization in charge of managing the center, the infestation persists due to theopen architecture of the Halle, which makes it difficult to implement strict measures.
Sparrows: an insurmountable problem
In addition to bed bugs, refugees also have to contend with sparrows, which have invaded Hall 7. These birds, protected by law, are impossible to eradicate and regularly defecate on the refugees’ personal belongings and furniture. Mattresses, already infested with bedbugs, are now soiled by bird droppings, making living conditions even more unhealthy.
Aware of the seriousness of the situation, the Hospice Général has attempted to protect sensitive areas such as food distribution areas, and to install tarpaulins to limit access by birds. However, these measures are only palliatives, and living conditions remain very difficult for the residents.
A temporary situation that lasts
Although Hall 7 was designed as a temporary solution, the refugees have been living there for several months, some for over a year. Faced with a constant flow of arrivals, the Hospice général is struggling to find stable accommodation for the refugees, prolonging their stay in precarious conditions.
The situation is made all the more complex by the fact that the institution does not foresee any imminent closure of Hall 7, despite the scale of the problem. Regular disinfections and interventions by specialized companies have not yet provided a lasting solution to the infestation and sanitation problems.
Psychological and health impact
The precarious living conditions at Palexpo have a major psychological and health impact on the refugees. Bed bug bites cause itching, allergic reactions and sleep disorders. As for bird droppings, they contribute to making the environment increasingly unhealthy, adding a dimension of stress andanxiety for residents, already weakened by their refugee status.
Short-term and long-term solutions
In an attempt to resolve this crisis, Hospice général continues to deploy disinfection measures, with the support of pest management experts. However, a lasting solution must be found to ensure healthier, more stable accommodation for the refugees. In particular, the Swiss refugee aid organization recommends the installation of housing modules or tents, to improve residents’ privacy and limit insect and bird nuisance.
Conclusion
Living conditions at the Palexpo accommodation center are increasingly difficult for Ukrainian refugees, caught between a persistent bed bugs infestation and sanitation problems caused by sparrows. Although the Hospice Général is implementing disinfection efforts and trying to find solutions, the scale of the problem is beyond current means. It is imperative that long-term solutions be found to ensure dignified and safe accommodation for refugees, while respecting environmental and legal constraints.
