Summary

In the course of the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (1995-2004), the international community has taken important steps towards addressing the disadvantage of indigenous peoples and contributing to improvements in their living conditions. The General Assembly in proclaiming the Decade called for international cooperation to develop solutions to problems faced by indigenous peoples and adopted the slogan “indigenous people – partnership in action”. The present collaboration between UN-HABITAT and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the growing effort of the United Nations system to work together to incorporate indigenous rights and interests into their programmes.

The present report, “Indigenous peoples’ right to adequate housing – A global overview”, is a preliminary effort to identify whether, and to what extent, indigenous peoples enjoy the right to adequate housing in different regions of the world and identify strategies that might assist in the realization of this right. The report includes seven case studies on the status of housing for indigenous peoples – in practice and in law – and includes information about policies and programmes aimed at addressing their needs and disadvantage.

The preliminary findings and recommendations of this report were presented to the 3rd session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and were greatly appreciated by the members and participants of the Forum.

This report constitutes a preliminary but important first step toward understanding the relationship between all economic, social and cultural rights and the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing of indigenous peoples, and to improving their living conditions worldwide. The report calls
for further attention to be given to this critical human rights concern and above all, it calls for renewed commitment from the international community to improve the living conditions of the world’s indigenous peoples.