Sultan Barakat: Political dimension remains main barrier to solving housing problems in conflict zones

The issue of providing housing in areas affected by armed conflict continues to be not merely a technical or humanitarian task, but a deeply political issue directly linked to territorial disputes, forced displacement, and the principles of fair reconstruction, Sultan Barakat, Professor of Public Policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Professor at University of York, said during the panel discussion "Housing as the Foundation of Crisis Recovery and Reconstruction" held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku.

"The key obstacle to resolving the housing issue in conflict zones continues to be its political component. Housing, unlike temporary shelter, carries an enormous political burden, since conflicts are often driven by struggles over territory and the deliberate displacement of people. The political dimension of the housing problem is extremely significant - and this is precisely the main reason for the lack of tangible progress," the professor stated.