End forced evictions

People living in slums experience a staggering number of human rights violations. They are routinely denied their right to adequate housing, safe water, sanitation and drainage, electricity, health and education, and face the constant threat of police, gang violence, and forced eviction.

What are forced evictions?

A forced eviction is the removal of people against their will from the homes or land they occupy without legal protections and other safeguards.

Evictions may be carried out only as a last resort, once all other feasible alternatives have been explored and only after appropriate procedural and legal safeguards are in place.

These include:

  • genuine consultation with the affected people
  • prior adequate and reasonable notice
  • adequate alternative housing and compensation for all losses
  • safeguards on how evictions are carried out
  • access to legal remedies and procedures, including access to legal aid where necessary

Governments are also required to ensure no one is rendered homeless or vulnerable to other human rights violations as a consequence of an eviction.

Forced evictions briefingForced evictions briefing This seven pages document highlights various aspects of our campaign on forced evictions such as forced evictions and the law, violence against women or issues related to rehabilitation. Download the briefing (PDF)