The two human rights organizations made their petition public through the Catalan News Agency (ACN), emphasizing the presence of minors among the residents and demanding a “structural and sustained” solution to the issue of settlements in the city. This request follows two previous evictions of homeless individuals under Mayor Jaume Collboni’s mandate, one in the Zona Franca and another at the Pont del Treball Digne, also in La Sagrera.
Although the Barcelona City Council is aware of the reality of the settlement, to date our organizations have no record of a proposal for social measures being implemented that effectively and comprehensively address the needs of the residents.
The letter expresses concern about the “especially serious” impact such a large-scale eviction could have, recalling that the previous eviction at Pont del Treball Digne affected 126 people and was carried out “without procedural guarantees or the approval of adequate housing alternatives.” According to information gathered by the organizations, the City Council classified the Gran street settlement as “substandard housing” on March 23 and ordered the vacation of the plot.
In light of this situation, the organizations are seeking the municipal executive’s “collaboration” to prevent a “forced eviction” and warn of a potential violation of the residents’ right to housing. Concurrently, the municipal group of Esquerra Republicana (ERC) has submitted a request to the City Council, seeking information on the planned eviction date and the alternative measures envisioned for those affected, including individuals with “serious health and mental health problems.” The republicans have also requested explanations regarding the contracting of cameras to monitor plots in La Sagrera.
