Human Rights Watch Condemns LA and State for Criminalizing Homelessness
Human Rights Watch has issued a scathing report, criticising Los Angeles and the state of California for their approach to homelessness. The 310-page document, titled “‘You Have to Move!’ The Cruel and Ineffective Criminalization of Unhoused People in Los Angeles,” highlights systemic failures in addressing the crisis and accuses officials of undermining fundamental human rights.
Key Findings: Criminalization vs. Human Rights
Human Rights Watch’s comprehensive report paints a grim picture of how Los Angeles treats its homeless population. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
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Criminalization of Homelessness:
The report argues that local and state policies have turned homelessness into a criminal issue rather than addressing it as a social problem. This approach, it says, is rooted in treating housing as a commodity rather than a basic human right. -
Arrest and Citation Data:
From 2016 to 2022, homeless individuals in LA, who make up about 1% of the city’s population, accounted for 38% of all citations and arrests. They also represented 20% of all felony arrests and 42.6% of misdemeanor arrests. This disparity underscores the disproportionate impact of law enforcement on the homeless community. -
Failure of Existing Programs:
The report critiques Mayor Karen Bass’s Inside Safe initiative, suggesting it has not sufficiently addressed the needs of the most vulnerable. Instead, it has focused on clearing visible encampments, often influenced by local complaints rather than effective support. -
Criticism of LAHSA:
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is also criticised for its role in sanitation sweeps, which the report claims erode trust with the homeless community. LAHSA defends its actions as necessary and claims its staff play a supportive role during these clean-ups. -
State-Level Concerns:
Governor Gavin Newsom’s mental health initiatives are under fire for potentially exacerbating the plight of the homeless. The report argues that CARE Court and conservatorship reforms may lead to increased policing and penalisation of those with mental health issues or substance use disorders.
Detailed Analysis of Policies and Impact
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Impact of Criminalization:
The report emphasises that criminalising homelessness destroys lives and property, disproportionately affecting those based on race and economic status. It criticises policies that favour property owners and business elites over the rights of people living in poverty. -
Historical Context:
The homelessness crisis is linked to decades of austerity measures, including cuts to social safety nets and public housing. The report traces these issues back to systemic failures at both national and local levels. -
International Human Rights Standards:
Human Rights Watch argues that the criminalisation of homelessness breaches international human rights standards. It references treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the U.S. has signed but not fully ratified, to underscore the severity of these violations.
Recommendations for Addressing Homelessness
The report offers several recommendations to address the homelessness crisis more effectively:
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Affirm Right to Adequate Housing:
It calls for the recognition of the right to adequate housing as defined under international law and urges investment in housing solutions. -
Preventing Evictions:
Immediate measures should focus on protecting existing tenancies and preventing evictions to curb the rise of homelessness. -
Basic Income Program:
Implementing a basic income program for extremely poor residents could provide essential support and stability. -
Community-Based Mental Health Care:
A voluntary, community-based approach to mental health care should be made available to all, helping to address underlying issues without criminalising them.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The Human Rights Watch report paints a stark picture of how the criminalisation of homelessness in Los Angeles and across California fails to address the root causes of the crisis. Instead of punitive measures, the report advocates for policies that affirm the right to housing and support vulnerable populations through preventive and supportive measures.
For more details on the report and its findings, you can access the full document and related analyses through reliable news sources and Human Rights Watch.
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