Summary

In the present report, submitted in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 52/10, the Special Rapporteur elaborates on the current state of crisis with respect to resettlement of persons following evictions and displacement, which negatively affects the right to adequate housing and other human rights. While evictions and displacement are recognized as major human rights concerns, negative outcomes with regard to resettlement have yet to be acknowledged as a significant human rights issue globally. Such negative outcomes result in serious violations of the rights of those affected, including the right to adequate housing. With the present report, the Special Rapporteur aims to launch a clarion call to prevent and counteract the poor outcomes and negative impacts of resettlement in an age that is witnessing increased displacement caused by disasters, development, conflict, uncontrolled use of eminent domain, urbanization, industrial agriculture, climate change and other drivers. In the present report, the Special Rapporteur reviews existing standards in international human rights law on resettlement, its main drivers and the key reasons for the poor outcomes of resettlement and explores alternative pathways to improve the record of resettlement. He concludes with recommendations for avoiding and reducing the harm caused by displacement and poor resettlement outcomes and argues for the development of comprehensive global principles and guidelines to ensure that resettlement is undertaken in full compliance with human rights.