London: Complaints regarding violations of the right to housing can be submitted directly to the United Nations, Koldo Casla, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, announced at the panel titled ‘Global Housing Crisis – What’s the Plan?’ held within the framework of WUF13.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Koldo Casla stated that he was recently appointed to this position and that his main goal is to establish direct contact with governments, civil society, and individuals facing housing challenges.
Koldo Casla outlined that the UN Special Rapporteur has three main functions. The first function is to conduct research on global topics such as housing finance, accessibility, and the destruction of residential buildings during conflicts. The second responsibility involves country visits, where he visits at least one nation annually, engages with government representatives, civil society, and those experiencing homelessness or forced displacement, and subsequently prepares recommendations. The third function is the acceptance of individual and collective complaints related to housing rights.
He mentioned that individuals from any country worldwide can apply to the UN regarding cases of mass displacement, violations of land rights, or breaches of the right to affordable housing.
Koldo Casla also highlighted that the main principles in housing policy include non-discrimination, state accountability, mobilization of maximum resources, and the non-regression of acquired social rights. He emphasized that housing extends beyond merely living under a roof and is a fundamental human right encompassing security, affordability, accessibility, and cultural adequacy.