A/HRC/13/20 attractions for the visiting public. The arrangements for the events also often increase the number of open public spaces, green and recreational areas. In addition to the sport facilities built to host the games and afterwards made available to the public, examples of increased availability of cultural and sports facilities include (a) in Seoul, new cultural houses were built before the Olympic Games; (b) in Barcelona, theatres, museums and art galleries were renovated in preparation for the Games; and (c) in Athens, archaeological sites underwent preservation work in the run-up to the Olympics.10 B. A negative housing legacy 15. In the period between the designation of the host city and the staging of the event, cities normally undergo a series of transformations that not only affect their urban infrastructure, but also bring about economic, social and demographic changes that have long-term consequences for the local population. While analysis of the impact of these events usually focuses on the economic benefits for the host city, less attention goes into evaluating the effect on the lives of the residents, especially the most disadvantaged sectors of society. Regrettably, the legacy of hallmark events on the situation of these people has been far from positive. The alleged economic benefits of staging the games are not spread evenly throughout the local population. Instead, old disparities appear to be exacerbated as the processes of regeneration and beautification of the city usually focus on areas mostly populated by poor and vulnerable groups. The lasting consequences of mega-events often include disquieting patterns, as described in the section below. 1. Evictions 16. Displacement and forced evictions are common features of preparations for megaevents. The heightened demand for space to construct sports venues, accommodation and roads is channelled through urban redevelopment projects that often require the demolition of existing dwellings and the opening of space for new construction. The importance given to the creation of a new international image for the cities, as an integral part of the preparations for the games, often implies the removal of signs of poverty and underdevelopment through reurbanization projects that prioritize city beautification over the needs of local residents. As public authorities use the organization of mega-events as a catalyst for the regeneration of their city, residents of the affected areas may face mass displacement, forced evictions and the demolition of their homes. Displacement may also result from the measures taken by local authorities to quickly remove unsightly slums from areas exposed to visitors, even without being framed within larger redevelopment projects. 17. In most cases, alternatives to evictions are not sufficiently explored, displacement is not accompanied by prior consultation with the affected communities, and adequate compensation or alternative housing is not provided to victims. In addition, evictions almost never allow the return of former dwellers to newly built homes. Indeed, owners, tenants and squatters are often subjected to pressure by public authorities or private developers to leave the area, their rights are seldom recognized, and they receive no guarantees of return to the redevelopment site. In many occasions, evictions are carried out in a context of violence, harassment and assaults against the inhabitants. Time constraints are usually cited as the reason for disruptive and violent evictions and disregard for the rights of affected communities. 18. Examples of evictions due to the construction of sporting venues, accommodation for visitors and infrastructure improvements include: (a) in Seoul, 15 per cent of the 10 6 Ibid.