Study by the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights and by 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 in this context.

Persons experiencing homelessness and poverty are extremely vulnerable to human rights violations. Homelessness is, by itself, an affront to human dignity and a serious violation of the right to adequate housing and other human rights. States have an obligation to prevent and eliminate homelessness, including by guaranteeing access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing. Similarly, poverty is a cause and consequence of a broad range of human rights violations, and States have an obligation to end and eradicate poverty. This study examines a double victimization of persons experiencing homelessness and poverty – laws, policies and practices that penalize and criminalize life-sustaining activities in public spaces. It is based on over 130 submissions from all world regions and consultations held with States, local governments, human rights institutions, civil society organizations and academic experts.