ERRC Calls on Portuguese Authorities to Halt Forced Eviction

17 October 2011

Budapest, 17 October 2011: In a letter sent to Portuguese authorities today, the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) called for a halt to the planned forced eviction of a settlement in Bairro da Torre in Loures municipality.

The settlement in Bairro da Torre, Loures municipality, which is reportedly scheduled to be evicted on 18 October 2011, is home to about 86 families, nearly half of them Romani. The residents include children, elderly and infirm people, who need medical attention. The residents received eviction notices more than six months ago for their homes, some of which have already been demolished, but rebuilt by residents. The residents reported that the municipality of Loures will not provide persons alternative accommodation following the evictions.

Concerned about the violations of international and domestic law, as well as the negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the families affected, the ERRC has urged the Portuguese authorities to call off the planned eviction and to find a lasting, adequate housing solution for these residents.

The full text of the ERRC letter is available in English and Portuguese.

For further information contact:

Sinan Gökçen
ERRC Media and Communications Officer
sinan.gokcen@errc.org
+36.30.500.1324