HRRC's New Publication on Housing Rights in Disaster Zone as a Result of 1988 Earthquake in Armenia

Human Rights Research Center (HRRC) published its recent report on the "The realization of the right to adequate housing by citizens left homeless as a result of the earthquake in Armenia in 1988".

By means of preparation of this report, HRRC's aims to bring into the focus of state policy development the need for rights-based approaches for addressing pressing housing issues of the people affected by the earthquake.

The report examines the policy of resettlement, adopted by the State in relation to the solution of the housing problem in the disaster zone, in light of Armenia's international human rights obligations, and the UN Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in particular.

The Report was presented for consideration by the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in the scope of the 4th Periodic Review of Armenia's Obligations under the Covenant (the 74th Session of the Committee, October 3 and 4, 2023).

HRRC's report indicates that the policy of resettlement, established on the basis of the Government Decision 1601-N, will not lead to the elimination or prevention of homelessness in the disaster zone, and moreover, will create additional homelessness risks among this group of population.

The report presents a number of recommendations for the alignment of the current State policy of addressing the housing problem in the disaster zone with Armenia’s obligations under the Covenant.

Read the full RESEARCH here (in Armenian).

The report was prepared with the support of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED).