UN EXPERTS HAVE APPEALED TO THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS DECISION OVER THE KHORI GAON EVICTION

United Nations Human Rights Experts have requested the Indian government to urgently review its decision for the mass eviction in Khori Gaon, Faridabad, resulting in 100,000 people homeless in the mid of the monsoon season. 

"No one should be forcibly evicted from their home without adequate time and compensation".

On 7th June 2021, the SC directed the removal of all encroachments on forest land within the next 6 weeks while hearing a plea seeking a stay on the demolition of more than 100,000 houses. After the order, demolition began on 14th July. 

The UN experts request the Indian government to uphold its laws and its own goals of eliminating homelessness by 2022. And to spare the homes of 100,000 people who belong to minority and marginalised communities. "The government needs to keep the residents safe during the Pandemic."

While referring to the SC order, which states that no compromise shall be made on forest land, the experts said that "they find it extremely worrying that India's highest court which led to the protection of housing rights is not evicting places putting people at risk of internal displacement, as in the case of Khori Gaon".

"The role of the top court is to uphold the law and to interpret them in the light of human rights standards and not to undermine them. In the present case, the purpose of the Land Acquisition Act and other domestic legal requirements have not been met".

The experts said that India bringing a member of the Human Rights Council should ensure that its policies comply with the International Human Rights Standards.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal