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