Venezuelan housing activists mark Habitat Day, urge government to halt forced evictions
Rewritten Article:
Caracas, October 10, 2024 (our mob) - Grassroots movements in Venezuela marched through the streets on Tuesday, standing up for the basic human right of affordable shelter.
A rip-roaring crowd of passionate activists assembled in Caracas to honor World Habitat Day and raise awareness about the rising tide of unwarranted evictions. This event was spearheaded by the Pobladores Movement, encompassing a diverse coalition of groups devoted to housing and living conditions, including tenant and squatters' organizations.
The chatter and clamor of the protestors could be heard from far and wide, with leaders from the capital region plus several other Venezuelan states joining in the struggle.
Founded by the United Nations in 1986 in Nairobi, Kenya, World Habitat Day serves as a call to action regarding the state of urban communities and the right of every individual to receive dignified shelter. However, many organizations prefer to term this day as World Homeless Day, emphasizing those who've been left behind in the long run.
One of the spirited protestors, Diana Castellano, spoke to Venezuelanalysis about the increase in arbitrary evictions and the intimidation faced by tenants, even when they're protected by law. She pointed out allegations of criminalization, pinning tenants as "invaders" to exert pressure on them.
Responsible for the Tenants' Movement in Barquisimeto, Lara state, Castellano shared that evictions are often carried out by the authorities, who are unaware of legal protections and choose to circumvent superior institutions, such as the Housing Superintendency (SUNAVI).
"The essence of these evictions is to transform civil matters into criminal ones, resulting in people losing their homes without regard for the law," Castellano stated, unmasking the lobbying efforts of wealthy homeowners and real estate associations which aim to drive up property prices in Caracas.
"Our primary responsibility as grassroots organizations is to support families facing these threats and arm the people with essential information, allowing them to navigate eviction attempts triumphantly," Castellano proclaimed.
In 2011, following the initiative of community movements, the Venezuelan government pushed for legislation protecting tenant rights, limiting rent increases and preventing unjustified evictions.
The bustling rally held a public assembly beforehand, and a commission from the Tenants' Movement and the Occupiers' Movement delivered a letter to Attorney General Tarek William Saab, raising concerns about several eviction cases involving public prosecutors. The missive urged Saab to take immediate action in support of the housing rights of millions of poor families.
The protest ended at the Interior Ministry with a closed-door meeting between the activists and government officials.
The grassroots organizations that took part in this riotous rally stood united in their support for the Venezuelan government and President Maduro, who secured reelection during the July 28 presidential contest.
The struggle for making housing a fundamental human right rather than a commodity has been ongoing throughout the 25-year tenure of the Bolivarian Process. Community-led initiatives, frequently bolstered by government support, have led to progressive legislation.
Former President Hugo Chávez instigated the Great Housing Mission (GMVV) in 2011, with the aim of offering dignified housing to working-class families. In June, the mission reached a milestone by providing the five-millionth home. Advocates of the GMVV are urging increased backing for community-led self-construction projects under the mission.
- The Pobladores Movement, working in Caracas on World Habitat Day, highlighted the issue of rising unwarranted evictions and political lobbying by wealthy homeowners and real estate associations.
- Diana Castellano, a member of the Tenants' Movement in Barquisimeto, spoke out against the arbitrary evictions and intimidation faced by tenants, emphasizing the need for policy-and-legislation changes.
- Following the rally, a commission from the Tenants' Movement and the Occupiers' Movement handed over a letter to Attorney General Tarek William Saab, urging immediate action to support the housing rights of millions of poor families.
- The struggle for affordable housing as a basic human right, led by grassroots organizations, continues to be a focus in Venezuela's general news, as the country strives to ensure dignified shelter for all its citizens.
