The Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, expressed concern about destructive events in Aleppo, Grozny, Mariupol, Myanmar, Sudan, and Gaza, stating that the deliberate destruction of civilian housing and infrastructure during conflicts is a clear violation of international human rights and humanitarian laws. These examples highlight a disturbing trend of widespread and unjustified destruction in various conflicts across the globe.

“We have observed, or are currently observing, widespread devastation in Aleppo, Grozny, Mariupol, Myanmar, and now in Gaza and certain regions of Sudan,” he stated to the Human Rights Council, the primary human rights organization of the United Nations.

“When individuals are forced to leave their homes, they not only lose a physical shelter, but also a place filled with cherished memories, dreams, and ambitions.”

Gaza: Massive destruction

Due to Hamas’s violent assaults in October, Israel has initiated a state of war. As a result, over 70% of housing in Gaza and 80% in parts of the northern region have been destroyed or damaged, forcing over 1.5 million individuals to relocate.

He expressed that the events taking place in Gaza are deeply disturbing to humanity.

Over one million individuals currently reside in extremely crowded conditions in Rafah, with insufficient shelter, putting them at risk for malnutrition and illness during the winter season.

The Special Rapporteur stated that everything that defines suitable housing, such as access to essential services, employment, cultural activities, education, religious sites, universities, and healthcare facilities, has been completely destroyed in Gaza. The extent and severity of the destruction in Gaza is even more extreme than what was seen in Aleppo, Mariupol, and cities like Dresden and Rotterdam during World War II.

Efforts to stop ‘domicide’

Last week, along with other Special Rapporteurs, he urged States to cease providing arms to Israel, which are being utilized to demolish homes and forcibly remove people in Gaza.

He expressed concern that providing weapons could result in being involved in ongoing breaches of the right to suitable housing, which could be considered as war crimes, crimes against humanity, or acts of genocide according to international law.

He emphasized the need for the international community to intervene in order to stop and address major breaches to the fundamental right to suitable housing. He reiterated his proposal for the General Assembly in 2022 to acknowledge these violations as “domicide,” a crime against humanity in its own right.

He expressed disappointment that his call has not received sufficient attention from the Human Rights Council thus far.

Action zones should strive to prohibit the use of explosives that have a wide-reaching impact in areas where people live, by means of a global agreement. Additionally, these offenses should be looked into by both domestic and international judicial bodies, and those responsible should face consequences rather than being allowed to get away without punishment, as stated in his report for the year 2022.

Homelessness and displacement

In his report, the author also emphasized various housing issues, including urging States and other stakeholders to reaffirm their dedication to providing affordable housing and tackling homelessness.

He offered various suggestions, such as ways to prevent affordability crises, ways to protect against human rights abuses caused by unattainable housing, and ways to handle the consequences of unaffordable housing.

He stated that the amount of individuals displaced as a result of conflict, natural disasters, construction, or environmental changes has significantly risen and is predicted to continue expanding.

Major contributing factors to mass displacement include unregulated growth of cities, exploitation of land, and excessive focus on profit in the real estate and development industries.

Therefore, he emphasized the importance of creating resettlement protocols to guarantee that all actions align with human rights principles.

Special Rapporteurs

Special delegates are chosen by the United Nations Human Rights Council and are included in a group called the Special Procedures. They are responsible for observing and documenting particular themes or situations in specific countries.

“Special Rapporteurs are independent entities, not employed by the UN and unaffiliated with any government or organization. They operate as individuals and do not receive payment for their services.”

Source: news.un.org