We, the
undersigned, representatives of social movements, not-for-profit organizations,
national and local authorities and policy makers, professionals, academics and
researchers and representatives of international organizations from 26
countries, have gathered in the city of Sao Paolo, Brazil between November 12
and 14, 2014 to advance a Right to the City.
We wish
to express our grave concern regarding reoccurring acts of intimidation,
threats, arbitrary detentions, assassinations and other acts of violence that
are being perpetrated against Abahlali baseMjondolo, movement of shack-dwellers
of South Africa who are working to advance the rights of the urban poor to
decent homes, the right to the city, and to build a society based on respect,
equality, justice and human dignity for all.
We
unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and abuses committed against the
leaders and members of Abahlali baseMjondolo.
We urge
the South African authorities to:
cease all
acts of aggression;
- launch an independent
investigation to determine the perpetrators of these acts and ensure that
justice is served; - provide full protection for the
leaders and members of Abahlali baseMjondolo against any further abuses,
and - take all possible steps to ensure
adequate housing, dignity and equal enjoyment of right to the city for all
residents of South Africa, with genuine dialogue and full participation by
the people who live in the informal settlements in the country.
More
information:
News
Solidarity call out for Abahlali baseMjondolo.
