New York City Hides Away Homeless Living On Footpaths As UN General Assembly Kicks Off

Officials in New York City have taken action to clear homeless living on the footpaths from the vicinity of the United Nations headquarters as the high-level General Assembly session gets underway, intending to keep them out of sight from visiting world leaders and enhancing security.

Agencies

What's happening and where?

The dozens of homeless people who have been living in makeshift accommodations like under tarps, cardboard boxes, umbrellas and construction sheds along First Avenue, where the UN is located, and Second Avenue and the side streets in the area, were out by Sunday evening.

Clearing them away has been an annual exercise as the city faces a chronic housing crisis compounded by mental health issues that overwhelm city’s social services.

In addition to removing homeless individuals, security measures for the UN event include closing many streets surrounding hotels where approximately 150 presidents, prime ministers and other VIPs will be lodging.

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But, why?

Traditionally, the General Assembly is the largest national security event due to its significance and the number of dignitaries in attendance -- with nearly 200 delegates. Preparation for it has been underway for several months.

This exercise will not only serve security purposes but also shield VIPs from the sight of homelessness in the world's financial and media hub.

"Our special agents and mission support teams have started surveying locations, working with our partners in public safety and coordinating extensive logistics and security plans. Our primary purpose is to ensure the highest level of safety and security for the people of this great city and visiting," NYPD officials said in a briefing last week.

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How has it impacted the community?

Although the recent removal of homeless individuals around the UN primarily serves security and cosmetic purposes, the city also periodically dismantles encampments established by its impoverished residents.

As a result, the majority of individuals displaced in these operations, approximately 99.9%, remain homeless, according to Landler's statement to the National Public Radio network, a broadcaster that receives federal funding, in June.

In 2022, reports indicate that over 1,500 encampments, each housing several individuals were dismantled with the assistance of law enforcement.

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