Forced Evictions Due to 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, October 13, 2010

Forced Evictions due to Commonwealth Games Violate Human Rights,
Contribute to a Permanent Negative Social Legacy

The preparations for Delhi’s Commonwealth Games (CWG) have witnessed a range of human rights violations of the city’s working poor, including the homeless, beggars, street vendors, and construction workers. The process has also been marred by financial mismanagement, embezzlement of public funds, and lack of accountability. One of the least reported violations, however, has been the forced eviction and demolition of the homes of thousands of Delhi’s residents. These evictions have taken place for various reasons ranging from constructing stadiums, building parking lots, widening roads, city ‘beautification,’ and clearing of streets on grounds of ‘security.’

Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) has been involved in a study on forced evictions carried out due to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. HLRN estimates that at least 250,000 people in Delhi have lost their homes as a direct result of the Games since 2004. A table of some of the demolished sites is included below.

Forced Evictions due to Commonwealth Games Violate Human Rights

Full text of the HLRN Press Release on evictions - 13 Oct. 2010