Forced from home. Nowhere to live.

I got this from Amnesty International: 

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=6oJCLQPAJiJUG&b=6645049&aid=517956&msource=W1208EADD1

Dear Tracy,

Next week, key officials are convening for the 2012 UN World Urban Forum in Italy to help shape "The Urban Future" in relation to housing and urban development.

However, for the more than 2 million people a year who live in slums and are displaced through forced evictions, the future is uncertain. Slum dwellings are the informal settlements -- entire communities -- set up for families who do not have permission, or are unable, to live anywhere else.

It should not be like this. And it does not have to be.

Forced evictions are illegal under international and regional law. In other words, you cannot be forcibly evicted -- no matter where you live.

Help us end forced evictions in Africa.

In a few days, we will have the ears of key African dignitaries-- including representatives from the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and the African Union, among others. We can urge them to put an end to this injustice and ensure individuals have safe and secure homes.

Individuals like business graduate, Al Hassan Abdallah.

Al Hassan experienced slum-dwellings first-hand when he arrived in Accra, Ghana, in 2005. Like thousands of other Ghanaians, he ended up in Old Fadama -- one of Accra's largest slums where forced evictions occurred regularly. He had to carry his valuables and documents with him at all times.

Al Hassan was never sure if his home would be there when he returned.

Most people at risk of eviction -- like Al Hassan -- work, pay taxes, vote, put their children through school and contribute to the city's economy like other urban residents. But they are barred from access to city budgets, and have limited or no access to clean water, adequate sanitation, schools, health care or security.

African governments must follow through on their obligations. Call on all African governments to end forced evictions now!

The 2012 UN World Urban Forum is a great setting to remind officials of their human rights obligations.

Ensure that African governments and institutions respect, protect and fulfill the human right to housing.

In solidarity,

Tanuka Loha
Demand Dignity Campaign Director
Amnesty International USA