Sunday, November 25, 2018

Human Right To Adequate Housing

In October the UN Rapporteur on Adequate Housing visted New York to discuss her thematic report on Informal Settlements.  Leilani Farha is the UN Rapporteur and her report covers  a wide range of human rights approaches in addressing the many problems faced by those who live in informal settlements, which is the preferred term for what many refer to as slums.

The problems are complex and require not only thoughtful intervention but sensitivity to the needs and preferences of those living in informal settlements.  For example, forced relocation is not endorsed but for those who wish to relocate, finding improved and adequate housing is essential.  

The right to adequate housing is "increasingly viewed as a commodity.  Housing is most importantly a human right.  Under international law, to be adequately housed means having secure tenure - not having to worry about eviction or having your home or lands taken away.  It means living somewhere that is in keeping with your culture, and having access to appropriate services, schools, and employment."

A right to tenancy and lack of formal eviction processes are concepts that can be difficult ones for many living in America.  Our focus is on landlord property rights.  Given the economic and human costs of eviction, the less formal route of discussion and negotiation may at some point become a preferable alternative.

In the meantime, the report comments on Farah's visiting housing in appalling conditions, while other parts of the municipality provides luxury housing.  The gap between rich and poor is universal.   As the report states, we must begin by refusing to accept the unacceptable. 

 

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/human_rights/2018/11/human-right-to-adequate-housing.html

Homelessness, Margaret Drew | Permalink

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