UN official: People in cities across all continents face rising living costs

In cities across all continents, people are facing rising living costs and a serious shortage of affordable housing, Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated during the event under the theme "Global Housing Crisis: What's the Plan?" held within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

According to him, the number of homeless people worldwide is increasing: "Large-scale development projects displace millions from their homes. Climate chaos forces families out of their houses and destroys their livelihoods. In war zones, people are compelled to flee and live under the harshest conditions. Those living in poverty and the most vulnerable – especially women and girls – suffer the most. Inequalities between and within countries are deepening. Many of you see these realities directly in your cities and communities."

Türk added that despite growing challenges, creativity, solidarity, and commitment are also increasing: "Some cities are achieving remarkable progress with people-centered policies. For example, Gwangju in South Korea, Montevideo in Uruguay, Vienna in Austria, and many others continue investing in public affordable housing. Barcelona in Spain has adopted tax reforms to curb large-scale speculation. Medellín in Colombia and other cities have implemented inclusive housing programs for displaced people. These efforts can pave the way for broader transformation."