EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on the Right to adequate housing
Mr. Chair,
We would like to thank Mr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context, for the presentation of his latest report on the issue of global crisis of housing affordability.
Addressing housing affordability is not just a matter of economic policy, but it is a human right. The right to adequate housing is a critical component of sustainable development. Ensuring access for adequate, safe and affordable housing is included as a target in SDG11.
As the cost of housing continues to rise in many countries, it has become increasingly challenging to secure safe and stable homes. Latest data show that population in vulnerable housing situations is growing and putting at risk reaching the target of adequate housing for all by 2030.
The right to adequate housing is a precondition for enjoyment of a range of other human rights and high housing costs have a disproportionate impact on people living in poverty and those at risk of poverty.
Mr. Special Rapporteur,
Among other things in your report you emphasize that affordable housing is often available only far from city centres, workplaces, health services and schools, which then results in higher transportation costs. This can as a result hinder the enjoyment of other human rights, such as the right to education, and may also lead to limited or no access to basic services. At the same time housing unaffordability often leads to discrimination and disproportionately affects different vulnerable groups.
You also wrote that member states should interpret your report as an urgent call to action and cultivate participatory and rights-based policies and programmes to tackle housing affordability. In your extensive research, what good practices have you come across to address the issue of global crisis of housing affordability and what measures should be put in place to properly address this crisis?
Thank you, Mr. Chair.