Inhumane conditions in informal settlements a “global scandal”, says UN rights expert
NEW YORK (18 October 2018) – Ignoring almost 900 million people living in overcrowded informal settlements is a global
human rights scandal that governments must resolve, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing said today.
“The living conditions in informal settlements are one of the most pervasive violations of human rights globally and yet
this is being ignored by most and exacerbated by many,” said Leilani Farha in a report to the UN General Assembly.*
“The conditions that many suffer are inhumane – overcrowding, lack of basic services like toilets and running water, and
complete insecurity. Many are in constant fear of having their homes bulldozed or destroyed,” the Special Rapporteur
said.
Farha described the housing challenge in Africa and Asia as immense. “In many cities in Africa, more than half of the
population lives in informal settlements. In Asia, there are 520 million residents of informal settlements, often in
areas that are vulnerable to floods, landslides or contamination.”
Even in the richest countries, informal settlements or encampments are common. “In North American countries, I’ve
visited encampments under highway overpasses deliberately deprived of portable toilets that are subject to having their
tents and belongings swept away at any time,” she said.
The Special Rapporteur said informal settlements are the result of “a flagrant disregard” of the right to housing in a
wide range of policy areas, but at the same time must be recognized as incredible accomplishments and a claiming of
rights to dignity and place. Residents create homes, culture and community life in the most adverse circumstances.
The report says States must stop stigmatizing and criminalising residents of informal settlements and instead build on
the capacities of communities to claim and realize their rights. “The commitment of States in the Agenda for Sustainable
Development to provide secure, adequate and affordable housing to all and to upgrade informal settlements by 2030 must
be treated as a human rights imperative of the highest order,” Farha said.
The Special Rapporteur’s report includes 31 directives for upgrading informal settlements in compliance with the right to housing and other
international human rights norms. The directives affirm the right of residents to participate in all aspects of
upgrading. They underscore the obligation of States to facilitate community participation, avoid unnecessary relocation
and cease the practice of forced evictions.
ENDS