Rose Molokoane: In many countries, housing is treated as a privilege, not a right

Many countries in the world regard housing as a privilege rather than a right, and this approach causes poor people to turn to informal settlements, stated Rose Molokoane, Special Representative of Slum Dwellers International, at an event titled "In Search of the Best Solutions for Sustainable Housing and Resilient Cities: Voices of Cities" held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

She said she evaluates housing in two different directions: "There are concepts of formal housing and informal housing. Formal housing is intended more for people with means. Informal living is the choice of poor people seeking shelter to protect their families. Social housing is not just a matter of residence, but also the unity of communities and social solidarity. We build partnerships to ensure that the housing and land rights of poor people are heard. Our goal is not to create confrontation, but to ensure that people's voices are heard."

Molokoane stated that governments' housing policies often do not yield practical results: "Some policies look very good, but in reality they do not work. We want to see housing policies that respond to the real needs of poor people. When people are given the opportunity to acquire land and build their own homes, a 'people's housing process' is formed, and this accelerates socio-economic development. It is necessary not just to talk, but to act. Action, action, and more action is very important. If we work together, social housing will bring people together, and economic opportunities will emerge in this process."