[Published: Friday October 09 2009]
frican governments told to end forced evictions
London, 09 Oct-(ANA)-Governments in Africa must end the practice of forced evictions that leave hundreds of thousands homeless every year, Amnesty International has said..
In a statement to mark World Habitat Day, Amnesty said in most cases evictions are conducted without any due process, consultation, adequate notice or compensation adding that officials carrying out the evictions often use excessive force against residents.
“Governments have a responsibility to ensure that no further forced evictions take place in Africa and that victims of forced evictions receive adequate alternative housing and access to effective remedies,” Amnesty said.
Cases of forced evictions have been documented by Amnesty in Angola, Chad, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
The effect of forced evictions can be catastrophic, particularly for people who are already living in poverty, Amnesty said.(ANA)
FA/ANA/09 October 2009---
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