The World Habitat Awards, which we have run in collaboration with UN-HABITAT since 1985, give us a privileged overview of housing issues and solutions around the globe. However, it means we do not have a detailed understanding of legislative frameworks in specific countries. Where we have a deeper knowledge of the laws, policies and procedures in specific countries, this relates to those European nations where we are currently developing our campaign. The Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) is an independent housing charity committed to ensuring that everyone has access to decent and affordable housing. As such, we are in accord with the objectives of the Special Rapporteur. We welcome the current focus on right-based approaches, and the connection between homelessness and access to adequate housing. BSHF has a strong commitment to housing rights and seeks to identify and promote housing policies and practices that ensure people are adequately housed, both in the UK and internationally. BSHF holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and has run the World Habitat Awards since 1985. This programme identifies and celebrates housing projects, in both the Global North and South, which show a commitment to innovation, sustainability and knowledge transfer. In our 2014-15 World Habitat Awards, we received over 200 applications from organizations in 81 different countries. This provides a unique, global perspective on effective housing practices and projects. Within the group of winners and finalists from the last 30 years, at least 30 have had a significant focus on tackling homelessness.

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