Dale Farm evictions

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About this action

On 20 October 2011, the residents of the part of the Dale Farm Traveller site that Basildon Council regards as an ‘unauthorised development’ left the site en masse.

The residents, who are Irish Travellers, issued a statement outlining their intention to walk out peacefully with their dignity. A number of activists who had camped out at Dale Farm in support of the residents also left the site at the same time.

On 19 October, Essex Police began a police operation to clear access to the site. This was to enable bailiffs who had been contracted by Basildon Council to carry out the forced eviction. The operation began after the Court of Appeal ruled on 17 October that the authorities could proceed with the eviction. During the police operation there were confrontations between the police and activists supporting the Dale Farm residents. Essex Police confirmed that 39 people were arrested during these confrontations.

It remains unclear where the residents leaving Dale Farm will make their next homes. Many remained concerned about being left homeless.

We continue to campaign against forced evictions around the globe.

Background

Up to 86 Irish Traveller families living at Dale Farm in Essex were forcibly evicted forced eviction following legal notice from Basildon Council.

We are outraged at Basildon Council's decision to ignore the advice of Amnesty, a  wide range of UN and Council of Europe bodies and experts, and other UK-based civil society organisations about the human rights impact of these evictions.

The eviction at Dale Farm represents a failure on the Council’s part to comply with international human rights standards on housing and evictions.