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Homelessness is increasingly becoming a common European problem which could use common European solutions.
In the name of "protecting the economy": Our sovereign (national) governments across the EUROPEAN UNION are inflicting increasingly severe "austerity measures" upon (us) their income providing/tax-paying/wealth providing populations.
Whilst these "austerity measures" may benifit the banks, the money markets, corporate vested interests and the economy. Their consequences are severely damaging the lives of millions of the poorest of us ordinary folk across the EUROPEAN UNION.
One disturbing example of human suffering (which is being exacerbated by these austerity measures ) is homelessness. As these "austerity measures" continue to intensify: The number of homeless people forced to live on the streets (with no shelter) is increasing. As their numbers increase - so does the ruinous consequences of their ordeal. All too often this ordeal extends through social exclusion and leads to mental illness and suicide, others simply die.
These are our fellow citizens, they are dying on our streets and their numbers are set to rise.
The European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights sets out in a single text, the whole range of civil, political, economic and social rights of European citizens and all persons resident in the EU. These rights are divided into six sections: Dignity. Freedoms. Equality. Solidarity. Citizens' rights and Justice. Despite these noble aspirations, too many homeless people are still dying as a direct consequence of being homeless - and their numbers will rise.
Assisting our fellow citizens to survive this nightmarish ordeal: Dedicated secular and religious groups (across the EU) voluntarily provide essential humanitarian support within their own towns and cities. This invaluable support can take the form of a soup-kitchen, a food bank, an emergency night shelter, a clothing bank, or access to medical assistance etc.
Were it not for these splendid voluntary sector groups: The death toll of homeless people across the EU would be staggering.
That said...
Whilst the truly inspirational humanitarian efforts of these individuals and groups does a great deal to help and sustain individuals and families at a purely neighbourhood level. The social problem of homelessness is actually a growing social problem throughout the European Union.
With this in mind...
The fact that homelessness is increasing across the European Union, isn't it appropriate for us to seek a unionwide response? After all, there is one commonly elected EU "government" that could be in a position to help - and that is the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT.
Indeed, this body is the only 'parliament' directly elected by us ( the peoples of the EUROPEAN UNION) to actually work on our behalf. As such, the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT already has a moral responsibility to act on behalf of ALL citizen's of the EUROPEAN UNION.....Surely this moral responsibility must also include ithe EUs homeless citizens.
This being so: It is right that the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT does become engaged in addressing (or assisting to address) the problem of homelessness throughout its own constituencies - and by so doing - assisting to mitigate the cruel ravages of homelessness upon its own electorate.
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The Challenge...
The challenge is this: How can we bring about the involvement of the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT in engaging social problems (such as homelessness - and the proposed Right to shelter) on behalf of all of its own citizenry?
As EU citizens we have a Right to present the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT with a common (EU) petition signed on behalf of all of the peoples of the European Union. This will require signaturies in at least seven of the EU states.
Such an action is possible and is covered under something called the European Citizens initiative.
At the top of this message you will find a small blue EU flag. Click on this and you will find the EUs official website. Reproduced in its entirety this explains (amongst a host of other things) that we do indeed have a Right to compile and forward such a petition. It further explains that such an action is indeed covered by the European Citizens initiative. But be advised the website is a bit 'wordy' - so good luck.
So saying, the purpose of this petition is to produce a MANDATE for the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT to act on addressing social issues (such as homelessness) on behalf of its own electorate. A good starting point would be the Right to Shelter.
(It goes without saying that this initiative will either succeed or it will fail - but if we fail - at least, we will have tried!).
That is the objective of the following petition - please support it.
The EU CITIZENS MANDATE.
(please click on the below link - and sign)