Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Univeral Declaration of Human Rights

The first important document that codified the right to adequate housing is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948.  Article 25(1) states that:

“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.”.

 See UN DOC A/810. Adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December, 1948.