Letters of Concern

LETTER OF CONCERN FROM THE SHIFT REGARDING PHILADELPHIA CHINATOWN

LETTER OF CONCERN FROM THE SHIFT REGARDING PHILADELPHIA CHINATOWN

On August 11, 2023, we issued an urgent letter expressing grave concerns about potential human rights violations in Philadelphia’s Chinatown to 76 Devcorp. The letter focuses on the contentious proposal to construct a new stadium within the heart of Chinatown, emphasizing that this is not just an ordinary infrastructure project, but a threat to the community. The letter further details the disproportionate impact that the construction of a new arena in Philadelphia’s Fashion District would have on the lives, livelihoods, and cultural practices of the Asian American community who rely on Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

This threat not only endangers the existence of Chinatown but also mirrors the challenges faced by marginalized communities across the city.

 

Urgent Letter to the City of Barrie: New Motions to criminalize homelessness

Urgent Letter to the City of Barrie: New Motions to criminalize homelessness

This urgent letter details The Shift’s deep concern of the City of Barrie’s recent policy motion and bylaw amendments that criminalize and further stigmatize those living in homelessness, as well as those trying to support them.

Letter to Government of Canada Re: Homelessness

Letter to Government of Canada Re: Homelessness

In January of 2022 we wrote a letter to local government officials in Canada, urging them to take swift action to protect people living in homelessness from below-freezing temperatures and a new strain of COVID-19.

Letter of Concern to City of Halifax Regarding Clearing of Encampments

Letter of Concern to City of Halifax Regarding Clearing of Encampments

“In the early morning of the 18th August 2021, police and bylaw officers were called to the site of the Spring Garden Road library and Horseshoe Island Park and informed residents that they were required to leave their homes immediately or they would have their possessions confiscated and would be arrested.”

Statement on Encampments in Hamilton (ON) & Risk of Evictions

Statement on Encampments in Hamilton (ON) & Risk of Evictions

Note of concern to the City of Hamilton, after the City announced its intent to revoke its Bylaw Enforcement Protocol relating to homeless encampments, leaving hundreds of people at immediate risk of eviction.

Letter of Concern to Pemberstone Ltd regarding the proposed evictions and redevelopment at Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive Estate, Oulton, UK

Letter of Concern to Pemberstone Ltd regarding the proposed evictions and redevelopment at Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive Estate, Oulton, UK

Letter of Concern from The Shift regarding the proposed eviction of residents, and demolition and redevelopment of homes, at Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive, Oulton, Yorkshire, UK, by Pemberstone Ltd.

Pemberstone Ltd were provided with advanced sight of this letter to afford them with the opportunity to comment on these concerns prior to publication. No reply had been received at the time of publication but should one subsequently be it will be published on The Shift’s resources webpage.

Urgent Note – Criminal proceedings in Spain against three human rights defenders must be reconsidered

Urgent Note - Criminal proceedings in Spain against three human rights defenders must be reconsidered

The Shift is concerned that on 28 June 2021, a trial in La Ciudad de la Justicia de Barcelona will try Jaime Palomera, a tenants union leader in Sindicat de Llogateres Barcelona and two tenants for peacefully protesting violations of the tenants’ right to housing. We urge the Government of Spain to reconsider these charges and remind them that everyone has the right to promote and strive for the protection of fundamental human rights, including the right to housing, without retaliation or fear thereof. This is essential to building and maintaining strong, open, and democratic societies.

Nota Urgente – Criminalización de tres defensores de derechos humanos en la Ciudad de la Justicia de Barcelona

Nota Urgente - Criminalización de tres defensores de derechos humanos en la Ciudad de la Justicia de Barcelona

The Shift urge al Gobierno de España y a las autoridades competentes a que reconsideren el proceso penal de los Sres. Palomera, Alpha y Franc. Toda persona tiene derecho a promover y luchar por la protección de los derechos humanos fundamentales, incluido el derecho a la vivienda, sin represalias ni temores a ser reprimidos. Esto es esencial para construir y mantener sociedades fuertes, abiertas y democráticas. 
Time’s Up: World Must Hold Israel Accountable + Restore Rights of Palestinians

Time's Up: World Must Hold Israel Accountable + Restore Rights of Palestinians

A comment on the current situation in Sheikh Jarrah by the former UN Special Rapporteur in the Right to Adequate Housing.

Letter to South African Minister of Human Settlements, Water, & Sanitation

Letter to South African Minister of Human Settlements, Water, & Sanitation

Letter of concern from The Shift to the South African Minister of Human Settlements, regarding a failure to provide rent relief to tenants affected by the pandemic 8 months after announcing a rent relief scheme. Consequently, tenants who have fallen into arrears have been subject to threats and/or intimidation.

 

Image courtesy of BBC.

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