Eviction of CRAB Park residents a ‘violent disregard for human rights’: UBCIC

The Vancouver Park Board’s decision to evict the remaining residents of the city’s only legal encampment is being condemned by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC).

In a release Wednesday, the UBCIC says it “strongly condemns” the Park Board’s plan, calling it an “inhumane action” and a “violent disregard for human rights.”

“This move by the Vancouver Park Board is nothing short of a forced eviction, demonstrating a blatant disregard for human rights, and exhibiting a clear lack of empathy and compassion for the unhoused while prioritizing park aesthetics over human dignity.”

The group says CRAB Park has been home to residents since May 2021 and continues to shelter seven full-time residents, some of whom are First Nations. It says these seven people are only 0.3 per cent of the unhoused population in desperate need of a place to live.

In a release earlier this month, the city said people living in CRAB Park will be able to continue sheltering there overnight, but starting Nov. 7, the area will need to be cleared every morning by 8 a.m.

“Today’s confirmation of closure follows a week of consultation by parks staff, who have engaged daily with the seven remaining individuals in the park to discuss support and resources needed to support them through this transition,” the Park Board said in the news release.

However, in its release Wednesday, the UBCIC says the Park Board’s consultation process was a “mere formality aimed at justifying a pre-determined eviction.”

“This is not consultation and does not meet the standard of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent,” they said.

UBCIC says the Park Board is showing a lack of attention to the “real needs and rights” of the unhoused people living there.

They think a “co-developed, holistic, and whole-of-government approach” is needed to deal with this “crisis,” and say that they’ve previously called on the City of Vancouver to work together on prioritizing “de-escalation and trauma-informed, culturally safe services in order to end further oppression and dispossession.”

“The UBCIC is calling for an immediate halt to the eviction and urges the city to work with the unhoused community, First Nations, and the public to develop sustainable, compassionate solutions that prioritize dignity and safety for all.”

The Park Board had previously said the remaining residents had been provided with housing, health, and income support, as well as transition plans.

“To support transition, reserved shelter spaces will be available for any remaining individuals on Nov. 7,” it said.

“Those who choose not to transition indoors may shelter overnight in CRAB Park, provided structures are taken down each morning by 8 a.m., as required by the Parks Control Bylaw.”

The board says this is part of a plan to return the park to use by the general community.

1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the Union of BC Indian Chiefs for comment.

-With files from Emma Crawford.