Although many governments continue to violate the right to adequate housing, in 2006 Nigeria, the Philippines and Greece stand out for their appalling disregard for this basic human right

For those of us who have witnessed the conditions of Roma housing here and are following the continuing illegal evictions, this award comes as no surprise.

Du Plessis goes on to say

Roma communities in Greece continue to face pervasive and persistent discrimination in access to housing. A majority of Roma in Greece live in extremely poor conditions - lacking access to basic services such as water and electricity - and frequently face segregation and forced eviction by local authorities. The conditions in which these communities live are dehumanising and constitute a grave human rights violation by the Government of Greece. It is completely unacceptable for a long-standing member of the European Union (EU) to allow such a situation to continue within its borders. What we are facing here is the blatant and deliberate exclusion of a particular group, creating a third world reality within a wealthy European State. The shacks of the Roma in Patras, Athens or Asproprygos are no different from those in slums in Nairobi or Manila. These evictions clearly indicate that the Greek government is not taking its international legal obligations seriously and is turning a blind eye to local governments' systematic abuse of the human rights of Roma in Greece

The photograph I took from the edge of one of the settlements, does not really do justice to the view. The Parthenon is clearly visible between the trees. Make of that what you will.... the irony was not lost on those who were there.

Read full details of the award
For information on the COHRE go here

I will be returning to Votanikos in the very near future so I will update you on the situation there as soon as I can.