The Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing guides development of the State Housing Policy of Ukraine
Presentation of the draft law at the meeting of the Committee on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine.
Kyiv, Ukraine – 12.10.2023
Background
The Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, endorsed by 56 member States of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in 2015, serves as the foundation of Ukraine’s evolving housing policy.
UN4UkrainianCities
UNECE—within the framework of the UN4UkrainianCities project—supports the Ministry of Territories, Communities and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine in the formation of a new draft law “On the Fundamental Principles of State Housing Policy” as the country seeks to modernize its national housing legislation, Preparation of this draft law marks the start of profound changes in the legal framework for housing in Ukraine; the draft law is expected to replace the outdated Housing Code. The principles of the Geneva UN Charter will be instrumental in shaping this groundbreaking shift.
New Draft Housing Law
On 10 October 2023, the draft law was presented and discussed for the first time in a meeting of the Committee on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine. At this meeting, Mr. Serhii Komnatnyi, a senior UNECE Housing and Urban Development consultant, emphasized the importance of reflecting environmental protection, economic efficiency, social inclusion and cultural relevance as foundational principles for Ukraine's new state housing policy.
By aligning the draft law with the principles of the Geneva UN Charter, the Ukrainian Government will promote an improved quality of life for all and will support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing is a non-legally binding document that aims to support member States as they seek to ensure access to decent, adequate, affordable and healthy housing for all. It aims to improve the sustainability of housing in the ECE region through effective policies and actions.