The statement addresses the issue of displaced persons occupying public spaces due to the ongoing war and a rapid increase in displacement. In the initial phases, many displaced individuals sought refuge in open spaces like streets, parks, and beaches due to a lack of information about shelter centers. While some eventually moved to shelters, others were forced to remain in these public spaces, facing harsh conditions due to insufficient shelter capacity, lack of transportation, or exclusion from shelters, particularly for non-Lebanese individuals.
Despite the critical role these public spaces could play, many parks remained closed to displaced people, and some were forcibly evicted from various public areas by local authorities or security forces, often using excessive force without providing alternative accommodations. The statement calls for an updated emergency plan to accommodate the unexpected surge in displacement, the reopening of all public parks, and a fair approach to sheltering displaced people. It also demands an end to arbitrary and forceful evictions and stresses the need to ensure non-discrimination and meaningful participation of displaced individuals in choosing shelter options.
