In response to ongoing tensions and attacks on people’s homes and property in some areas of Northern Ireland, senior leaders in the housing and homelessness NGO sector have joined together in their condemnation of the attacks. Nicola McCrudden CEO of Homeless Connect, Kate McCauley CEO of Housing Rights, Justin Cartwright, National Director CIH and Seamus Leheny CEO of the NIFHA issued the following statement.
“Access to adequate housing is a basic and fundamental human right. Everyone in society, regardless of ethnicity or race, has the right to peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their home and protection against forced eviction. The recent attacks on people’s homes, and on a temporary site providing refuge for those affected, is unjustified and must be condemned. Any service, statutory or voluntary, upholding this right through provision of invaluable housing support to people experiencing homelessness should never be subject to violence and intimidation.”
The organisations have advised anyone with safety or property concerns to contact their accommodation provider in the first instance.