The Olympic Games have displaced more than two million people in the last 20 years, disproportionately affecting the homeless, the poor, and minorities such as Roma and African-Americans, according to the COHRE report, 'Fair Play for Housing Rights: Mega-Events, Olympic Games and Housing Rights'.

COHRE took the Olympic Games as a case study because forced evictions, discrimination against racial minorities, targeting homeless persons and many other effects were noted in several cases. According to the report, these effects are in complete contradiction to the spirit and ideals of the Olympic Movement, which aims to foster peace, solidarity and respect of universal fundamental principles.

The project’s findings and recommendations are presented in the final report. COHRE developed 'Multi-Stakeholder Guidelines on Mega-Events and the Protection and Promotion of Housing Rights'.  These Multi-Stakeholder Guidelines first of all provide a framework for organisers of future mega-events to follow. Secondly, they can be used as a tool for activists to hold their cities accountable for protecting housing rights. COHRE’s Multi-Stakeholder Guidelines affirm the principle that mega-events (and the redevelopment that accompanies them) can be used to enhance housing conditions and promote housing rights. The main message of the report is that it is vital that mega-events are founded on the desire and commitment to promote a positive housing legacy for all sectors of society, especially the poor and marginalised.

Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE)
cohre@cohre.org

/06/2007

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