The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (art. 25-1) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (art. 11-1) state 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…” Article 31 of The Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia recognizes and respects human rights as stipulated in the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and covenants and conventions related to human rights. Over the past few years the Government of Cambodia has taken positive actions to implement the principle of human rights, especially the right to “adequate housing” for all citizens by setting out the following strategies: Poverty Reduction Strategy; Governance Action Plan; National Strategic Development Plan; Rectangular Strategy.
In 2015 the Government of Cambodia approved its “National Housing Policy” to ensure the right to adequate housing for all Cambodian citizens, especially poor and vulnerable groups.
However, despite these positive steps taken with regard to development of an adequate policy framework, this National Housing Policy remains mostly unimplemented due to insufficient technical resources and funding within the Government. As a result there are important gaps in the existing policy environment as illustrated by the Global Housing Indicators for Cambodia (HFHC 2014)
HFHC Action
HFH Cambodia aims to change land policy and systems to ensure that more people in Cambodia have a decent housing. This will achieved by conducting quality research and analysis on housing and land issues in the country, more specifically in relation with the implementation of the national housing policy.
The organization will likewise focus on strengthening its participation in advocacy coalitions on land and housing issues, and implement the Solid Ground Campaign in Cambodia.
Learn more about Solid Ground here.
