ID :
196042
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 11:54
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/196042
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Homeless people face eviction from Seoul Station
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- Hundreds of homeless people who have made Seoul's main train station their home will face eviction starting next month, the national railway operator said Wednesday, raising concerns about their safety and human rights.
More than 300 homeless people will be forced to leave Seoul Station and enter into nearby shelters, in a move aimed at improving the station's image and settling the public's complaints about noise and begging, the state-run Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) said.
"In particular, we're informing homeless people in advance that they should not sleep in (the station's) waiting areas after 11 p.m.," said Park Jong-seung, the head of Seoul Station. "We've also asked for the cooperation of religious groups nearby."
"We will direct (the homeless people) to the three shelters that are within walking distance from the station," said Seon Hyeon-kyu, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The homeless, however, expressed concerns that they may not all be able to fit into these facilities, especially for long periods of time.
"Shelters these days are already full and we have to wait for three hours in order to get a meal," said a 43-year-old homeless man, who gave only his last name Lee. "Just the thought of more people is stifling."
The recent heat wave is also cause for concern. Temperatures have risen above 30 degrees Celsius this week following an especially wet rainy season that ended over the weekend.
"It's the not the first time that we've being kicked out, but now that it's official, my biggest worry is the scorching heat," said a 52-year-old homeless man surnamed Moon.
Others are also anxious about the results the action may bring. A police officer stationed not far from the scene said the homeless people may cause even more noise and trouble if they are left to crowd nearby squares or supermarkets.
Meanwhile, Park Cheol-su, an activist for the homeless poor, said forcing these people to leave their communities could be a violation of their human rights.
More than 300 homeless people will be forced to leave Seoul Station and enter into nearby shelters, in a move aimed at improving the station's image and settling the public's complaints about noise and begging, the state-run Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) said.
"In particular, we're informing homeless people in advance that they should not sleep in (the station's) waiting areas after 11 p.m.," said Park Jong-seung, the head of Seoul Station. "We've also asked for the cooperation of religious groups nearby."
"We will direct (the homeless people) to the three shelters that are within walking distance from the station," said Seon Hyeon-kyu, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The homeless, however, expressed concerns that they may not all be able to fit into these facilities, especially for long periods of time.
"Shelters these days are already full and we have to wait for three hours in order to get a meal," said a 43-year-old homeless man, who gave only his last name Lee. "Just the thought of more people is stifling."
The recent heat wave is also cause for concern. Temperatures have risen above 30 degrees Celsius this week following an especially wet rainy season that ended over the weekend.
"It's the not the first time that we've being kicked out, but now that it's official, my biggest worry is the scorching heat," said a 52-year-old homeless man surnamed Moon.
Others are also anxious about the results the action may bring. A police officer stationed not far from the scene said the homeless people may cause even more noise and trouble if they are left to crowd nearby squares or supermarkets.
Meanwhile, Park Cheol-su, an activist for the homeless poor, said forcing these people to leave their communities could be a violation of their human rights.
