Nearly 2.8 billion face inadequate housing: why the UN is sounding the alarm
On World Habitat Day, the UN highlighted a vast housing crisis: an estimated 2.8 billion people face some form of housing inadequacy, while about 1.1 billion live in slums or informal settlements. Here is what those figures mean.
World Habitat Day was marked in Muscat on 5 October under the theme “Adequate Housing for All”. UN material estimates that around 2.8 billion people face different forms of housing inadequacy, including nearly 1.1 billion in slums or informal settlements.
Why estimates differ
The UN Secretary-General’s message says more than 3 billion people are denied adequate housing. These are not necessarily conflicting counts: definitions can encompass different needs, including homelessness and displacement. The groups cannot simply be added together.
What could change things
Affordable homes and land, basic services, tenant protection and city financing all matter. The UN argues housing should be treated as a public good. Progress should be measured by affordability, safety and access to services as well as the number of homes built.
Source: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k18/k1830eoxgo. Cover: editorial illustration.
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