The UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing and the UN Independent Expert on minority issues have warned that plans by Basildon District Council in Essex, England to evict 300 Irish Travellers and Romani people from Dale Farm could breach international human rights law.
Raquel Rolnik, the UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing stated that "evictions constitute a grave breach of human rights if not carried out with full respect for international standards". Rita Izsák, UN Independent Expert on minority issues also warned that "special attention must also be given to the rights and particular needs of families with members with disabilities or suffering ill-health, or with small children. There are approximately 110 children facing imminent threat of forced eviction".
Despite the fact that some of the residents own their land, the local authority has denied some residents planning permission for building on the site under contention.
Both UN human rights experts urged the UK authorities to enter into negotiations with the residents so as to find a solution to the dispute. Ms Rolnik also recommended that the residents be given fair compensation for their loss.
Amnesty International UK in a press release has called on UK authorities to stop the eviction and ensure their actions "do not break international law". Amnesty has urged the public to help by sending a (pre-prepared) email or letter to Basildon Councillors and an MP.
Click here to view a press release by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the dispute.
Click here to view a press release on the dispute from the UN News Centre.