Home in Place backs Global Housing Charter
A worldwide housing crisis is pushing millions into insecurity, yet a clear and practical path to housing justice has now been set out. Home in Place is proud to be supporting the launch and coordination of the Global Housing Charter, a new framework advocating for the human right to housing.
Drafted by Professor Dave Adamson, Manager Special Projects at Home in Place, the Charter calls on governments around the world to commit to long-term, adequately funded housing strategies that meet the needs of all people.
The Charter responds to the worsening global housing crisis, where people across both wealthier and less-resourced nations are being priced out of safe, secure homes. While the details vary from place to place, the impacts are all too familiar, overcrowding, homelessness, housing stress and a growing sense of despair.
“Governments are the only actors with the scale, mandate and resources needed to resolve the housing crisis,” said Professor Adamson. “But they can’t do it alone. We need a united effort between public, private and not-for-profit sectors. The Charter provides a clear, shared vision for that action.”
Manager Special Projects Professor Dave AdamsonGovernments are the only actors with the scale, mandate and resources needed to resolve the housing crisis
A practical, principled approach
The Global Housing Charter outlines six Articles that reflect a human rights-based approach to housing. These include:
- Recognising housing as a human right under international law
- Developing a 20-year plan for secure, sustainable and culturally aligned housing
- Legislating for a minimum 0.5% of GDP to fund social and affordable housing
- Setting national targets for social and affordable housing stock
- Requiring minimum quality and cultural standards in housing design
- Allocating 10% of aid budgets to fund housing solutions in recipient countries
While the goals are ambitious, they are also realistic. The Charter acknowledges that each nation must begin from its own context, building momentum through interim targets that suit local needs and resources.
Join the movement
By endorsing the Charter, supporters commit to promoting housing as a human right, advocating for the Charter’s six Articles, and encouraging others to join the movement. Supporters also help track progress by sharing national data and highlighting the steps being taken in their countries.
“It’s not enough to simply call for change, we must coordinate our efforts, learn from each other, and build pressure for governments to act,” Professor Adamson said.
Home in Place encourages organisations, housing advocates and policy leaders to add their voice to this global call for housing equality.
Let’s tackle the global housing crisis together.
Learn more and read the full Charter at www.housingequitycharter.org
