NHRI Submits Report on Housing Rights to UN Special Rapporteur

Abu Dhabi:The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has submitted a report titled 'Localising the Right to Adequate Housing and the Role of Local Governments and Community-Led Initiatives.' This submission responds to a call by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing.

According to Emirates News Agency, The report aims to contribute to a thematic report that the Special Rapporteur will present to the Human Rights Council at its 64th session in 2027. It reflects NHRI's efforts during its 'Empowerment Term' to enhance engagement with international mechanisms, aligning with the Paris Principles for national human rights institutions.

The NHRI's report recommends translating housing rights into tangible policies, including integrating them into emergency plans, protecting residential areas during conflicts, addressing property damage, and facilitating compensation and redress.

Additionally, the NHRI emphasizes the need for integrated housing systems and diverse assistance mechanisms, particularly for vulnerable groups. It calls for stronger partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society, as well as sharing successful international approaches to housing policies with local and community-led initiatives.

The report also highlights the UAE's housing policy evolution, noting the coordination between federal and local governments and the shift from merely providing housing to developing sustainable communities. It reviews housing support available in the UAE, such as land grants and loans, which help translate international commitments into programs that improve quality of life.