Mr. Yukio Aoshima
Governor,
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Japan.
Dear Sir,
We are deeply concerned to learn that your administration has been involved in the eviction operations of cardboard settlements in Tokyo and presently is planning to evict a settlement near Shinjuku Station. While appreciating Tokyo Metropolitan Government's serious effort to change the face of the city, we wish to bring your kind attention to the globally recognised concept of the right to adequate housing.
Under the International Convention on Economic and Social and Cultural rights, that was signed by your government in 1979, the housing rights is guaranteed to every one. In this connection the United Nations Bodies, through a series of resolutions, have made it clear that the forced evictions are a gross violation of human rights in particular housing rights. You may also be awared that the Government officials and NGO activists from Japan, were represented at the United Nations Habitat II Conference in Istanbul in 1996 and through unanimous adoption of the the Habitat Agenda the world community including your Government was also committed to "integrate land and shelter policies with policies for reducing poverty and creating jobs.... ..and for empowering those belonging to disadvantage groups particularly people without shelter"
As an organisation concerned with the housing rights situation in Asia, we would like to urge you to initiate genuine consultation with effected people of cardboard settlements.
We urge you to stop the forced evictions of cardboard settlements near Shinjuku Station and initiate a dialogue with the homeless people of the area.
You consideration would be much appreciated.
With best regards
1998 2 10 Muhammad Younus