Tools Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions

1 tools

1.1 partnerships , joint strategies
1.2 fact-finding investigations
1.3 advocacy
1.4 litigation
1.5 regional , international bodies
1.6 training
1.7 promoting policy , legislative reform

tools

cohre developed , tested range of tools, used in different combinations , @ different levels, each particular situation demands. these include:

partnerships , joint strategies

cohre’s work based on assumption role of affected communities of crucial importance in addressing housing rights violations. poor should directly involved in formulating , implementing solutions , alternatives. communities have vital contribution make, without housing-related projects not succeed. in housing rights or eviction cases cohre became directly involved, cohre therefore strived build alliances , partnerships , embark on joint campaigns groups , support organisations working @ community level.

working @ community level not sufficient in itself. national, regional , international action can effective in cases of major housing rights violations, cohre formed partnerships organisations working @ these broader levels.

fact-finding investigations

another tool collection of relevant, accurate information. cohre regularly sends multi-disciplinary fact-finding teams key focus countries. typically conduct in-loco investigations, conduct interviews main role players, study relevant laws, policies , programmes , additional research required assessment of nature , scope of land , housing rights violations in particular situation. provide basis drawing recommendations , alternatives. these missions conducted @ request of, , in collaboration with, local partners.

cohre used draft fact-finding reports tools consultation , negotiations key role-players, including governments. strategy has proven effective in convincing government grapple extent of violations , implications of proceeding current policies , practice. once finalised, cohre fact-finding reports used information resources local human rights organisations , affected communities; lobbying relevant government introduce new policies, laws , programmes. fact-finding reports useful tools @ regional , international level place pressure on relevant governments; , form basis of shadow reports submission before un human rights mechanisms , other regional , international bodies.

advocacy

cohre supported local groups , support organisations mobilise , campaign against housing rights violations issuing formal letters of protest governments, presenting submissions government missions, launching joint action campaigns, , exerting public pressure through media exposure. in cases of extreme , sustained violations, without attempt governments concerned take remedial steps, cohre consider including country concerned in list of housing rights violators part of housing rights violator, protector , defender awards, announced @ end of every year until 2008. tool had proven remarkably effective in naming , shaming perpetrators of worst housing rights violations, while @ same time highlighting positive efforts governments , individuals promote , protect housing rights of communities.

litigation

in past, cohre undertook strategic litigation enforce human rights standards, remedy past human rights violations , generate beneficial jurisprudence in area of economic, social , cultural rights. cohre s work in area included legal advice test cases @ domestic level, taking cases before international , regional judicial forums in event domestic courts fail provide adequate remedy, , capacity-building training , workshops judges, lawyers , other human rights advocates. in 2009, cohre lead 2 cases before european committee of social rights: no. 52/2008 against croatia , no. 58/2009 against italy.

the strategic litigation work cohre once undertook continued global initiative economic, social , cultural rights.

regional , international bodies

action @ regional , international levels important tool support national struggles addressing housing rights violations. in many instances, decisions issued @ united nations level or regional human rights mechanisms play important role in changing government policy or legislation, while providing crucial support groups , communities fighting forced evictions , other housing rights violations. international secretariat in geneva, cohre regularly provides direct access united nations groups in developing world conduct specific advocacy , lobbying, concrete decisions , recommendations helping them in struggle, learn un human rights machinery , crucial contacts , supports case. cohre arranges petitions , presentations regional bodies such inter-american commission on human rights , african commission on human , peoples’ rights.

training

cohre engaged in extensive training programmes grassroots groups, ngos, government officials, lawyers , judges. training programmes tailored meet needs of particular target group , context. community groups , support organisations assisted understand rights , develop strategies realise rights, participation in housing rights movements , formulation of alternatives. lawyers trained more sensitive needs , role of communities, , incorporate international legal protections arguments. government officials introduced concept of housing human right, importance of allowing affected communities participate directly in programmes, , lessons international best practice. judges introduced provisions , importance of international law. different groups brought exchange ideas , develop joint strategies.

promoting policy , legislative reform

cohre promotes policy , legislative reform @ national, regional , international level, ensure housing rights , delivery frameworks , legal instruments improved possible.