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Press TV: The United Nations housing chief has declared that Britain´s decision to evict travelers from the country´s biggest gypsy camp is infringing resident´s human rights.
Basildon council issued eviction notices to the 400 residents living on 51 unauthorised pitches at the Dale Farm site in Essex and wanted them to move from the camp in 28 days.
However, the UN´s special rapporteur on housing, Racquel Rolnik, has called upon the British government to delay the eviction so that the residents could find alternative housing.
"We urge the UK authorities to halt the evictions process and to pursue negotiations with the residents until an acceptable agreement for relocation is reached in full conformity with international human rights obligations," asserted Rolnik.
Rolnik´s assertions may bolster calls for the eviction to be delayed, but they would not oblige the British government to act immediately.
On the other hand, a spokesman for the Department of Communities and Local Government said that Basildon council´s decision did not constitute a violation of human rights and that the council was “within its rights” to give eviction notices to the residents.
Furthermore, the leader of Basildon council, Tony Ball said that charities are trying to instill hope into the residents by trying to make them believe that “a last-minute legal ruling could stop the site clearance.”
End.
Last Updated: 9 August 2011
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