"Today, Europe is not facing up to the humanitarian crisis of these refugees. Nor is our own country,” Hidalgo told a press conference at city hall.
"Paris will not stand by and do nothing as the Mediterranean becomes a graveyard of refugees," she added.
Hidalgo said “several sites in the north of Paris" have been identified for the location of the camp, expected to open in roughly a month`s time. It will be built in accordance with international UN standards and the exact location will be announced in a few days.
"The accommodation will be able to be flexible and quickly installed. #RefugeesWelcome," Hidalgo said on Twitter.
Paris previously closed two unofficial camps set up by charities last year.
"I hope that the center will be a welcoming place to evaluate these people`s situations, and also a site that allows the lodging of those in need," Hidalgo said.
Paris is considered a transit point for thousands of immigrants and refugees who try to reach Calais, from where they try to cross to the U.K.
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