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UNECE outlines housing policy principles for updating national legislation on "Ukrainian Radio"

A Regional Consultant of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Serhii Komnatnyi, discussed the activities of the UN4Ukrainian Cities project, its objectives and its significance in rebuilding Ukrainian cities during interviews on "Ukrainian Radio" and "Public Radio" on 14 and 21 December 2023, respectively. He highlighted the project's work in supporting the efforts of Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure to modernize the national framework for housing policy, noting that the expert group is focused on practical expertise to support the Ministry of Restoration of Ukraine, particularly in codifying national housing legislation, facilitating the exchange of experiences on housing policy implementation, and using effective practices to address the housing needs of citizens as seen in European countries.

In the radio interviews, Mr. Komnatnyi drew attention to the timeliness of revisiting Ukraine's housing policy, as the current housing legislation needs revision. He detailed international acts regulating housing policy, emphasizing that the UNECE Geneva Charter on Sustainable Housing recommends that housing policy should be based on experience, complete and reliable statistical data, accountability and broad public discussion of all aspects of housing practices.

To achieve the stated goal, the new draft law proposes to outline the following basic principles:

  • Transparency and civic participation;

  • Strategic planning and accountability;

  • Fairness and equal access;

  • Accessibility of housing for all.

The new law, set to replace the outdated Housing Code, will be built on the following fundamental and interconnected elements:

  • Citizens' needs;

  • Territorial development;

  • Support for socially vulnerable groups in addressing housing issues;

  • Application of modern, transparent and open digital approaches to housing policy implementation.

Mr. Komnatnyi noted that Articles 47 and 48 of the Constitution of Ukraine fully align with the spirit of Article 25 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, where the right to housing is defined as one of the basic rights of every individual. Accordingly, he added, these principles should form the framework of the new housing policy in Ukraine.

Find out more about the UNECE Geneva Charter on Sustainable Housing.