Cities for All: Addressing forced evictions

By adopting the NUA, UN member states have committed to 'support the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing for all […] and prevent arbitrary forced evictions', and to enhance 'their [informal workers'] livelihoods, working conditions and income security, legal and social protection'. In addition, with the adoption of SDG11 there is global consensus on the role of equitable and inclusive cities in leading towards a sustainable development path that leaves no one behind.

The ground reality, however, shows resurgence of forced evictions globally. Historically, the urban poor have always suffered major setbacks through massive forced evictions – loss of investments both at household and city level: families and workers lose investments in housing and livelihoods, leaving them even poorer, and at the city level, evictions undermine the sustained investments in community mobilisation, small community projects, land securitisation, among others.

The promotion of inclusive and equitable cities requires urgent global response to forced evictions. In the past, there was regular monitoring of forced evictions but this is now largely dysfunctional. There are, however, on-going initiatives which could be used for the purpose by leveraging the prospects offered by IT. Initiatives such as 'Know Your City' – supported by Cities Alliance – have enabled community-led slum mapping, which allows slum-dwellers to monitor forced evictions. The challenge is to scale up, strengthen and institutionalize such mechanisms. Moreover, it is essential to prevent forced evictions through a stronger narrative and advocacy on inclusive and equitable planning. Equally essential is to strengthen the work on mitigating the impacts of forced evictions on affected communities.

This networking event will showcase innovations and explore partnerships for slum enumeration, policies and practical approaches that increase spatial, social and economic inclusion. A strong focus will be devoted to the critical interface of forced evictions with gender inequality and migration flows.