This morning in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava), representatives of different groups that work for the right to housing and against racism made an appearance to denounce racism in housing. In fact, they have pointed out, through a manifesto, the racism and systematic discrimination suffered by migrant and racialized people in access to housing. Two main ideas have been highlighted: They warn of "the enormous difficulties that migrant and racialized people face in accessing housing" and highlight the need to "confront racist and reactionary speeches that seek to confront the migrant population with the native," because they "hide the real problem": "a real estate business that enriches only a few at the expense of the majority."

This exclusion occurs in several ways, as detailed in the press conference: "owners who refuse to rent by name, accent, origin or skin color; real estate companies that hide offers or impose impossible conditions; banks that deny mortgages despite their economic solvency; administrations that reject and criminalize, even denying the right to register; and social services that do not offer a real alternative to residential precariousness." As if this were not enough, these people are particularly affected by housing abuses and the consequences of the housing crisis: such as charging "abusive rents for poor rooms"; making "irregular contracts without guarantees"; harassment of property owners or homelessness.

"While these injustices are perpetuated, racist and reactionary speeches are spreading that seek to hold migrants responsible for homelessness," they point out. However, the collectives involved in the outbreak have clearly proclaimed that "the housing problem is a direct consequence of the housing business"; and that racialized people and migrants are not "the cause of the problem, but those who suffer the problem in the crudest way".

Call to Mobilize on April 5

They are called to oppose “these discourses that seek division” in today’s apparition, as well as to organize and fight; “not only against the housing business, but also against racism.” In this connection, the call for assistance to San Sebastian (Guipúzcoa), where the Socialist Housing Union of the Basque Country has organized a demonstration for universal housing rights and against the real estate business, has been extended on 5 April. It starts at 12:00 on the Boulevard.

The following groups have supported the statement presented in today’s appearance: Agifugi (Gipuzkoa Association of Gypsies for the Future), United of Ghana Cultural Association, Oudiodial Association, Urokalsindolaal Association, Asoleus (Association of Latin American Immigrants of the Basque Country), Atxuri Recepción, Bachué, Bizirun Association for Social Rights, Dar Etxea, San Sebastián Civic Network, Asoleus (Association of Latin American Immigrants of the Basque Country), Basque Association of Migrant Workers, Housing, Association of Cities and Cities