The Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination, Miloon Kothari, released a 2006 report on women and housing. In her examination of the issue, Kothari assessed the obstacles in the realization of women's right to housing. Kathari defined states' responsibilities in the protection of this human right to be broader than recognition of these rights legally; it also encompasses implementation. The obstacles found by the Special Rapporteur include discriminatory cultural and social norms, violence against women, privatization, homelessness and multiple discrimination. In regard to the effects of violence against women, the Special Rapporteur reminded states of their obligation to prevent, investigate and punish domestic violence as well as provide services for victims. Kothari argues that legislation enacted on domestic violence should include housing provisions, as many women who seek to leave their husbands often face discrimination in their search for adequate housing.
Compiled from: “ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS: Women and adequate housing,” Miloon Kothari, United Nations Commission on Human Rights, 27 February 2006.