The UN human rights system needs independent experts to promote and defend the right to adequate housing in collaboration with States, civil society, international and nation human rights mechanisms, UN agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. It is a demanding, non-remunerated function, but a very important one that also provides opportunities.
The deadline to apply for the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing has been extended until Sunday 27 October 2019, 12:00 GMT.
All experts who are or have worked on the right to adequate housing and who meet the eligibility criteria could consider applying:
More information about the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, the resolution establishing it and the activities of the current mandate holder and pervious Special Rapporteurs is available at: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Housing/Pages/HousingIndex.aspx
More information relating to eligibility of candidates and the selection process is available here. For submitting an application please consult this website. Candidates would have to complete an online survey and fill in a word application form.
The Human Rights Council is expected to appoint a new Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing for three years (usually extended after three years for another three years, making it six in total) during the forthcoming session of the Human Rights Council in March 2020 after the Consultative Group of the Human Rights Council has shortlisted and interviewed candidates. The selected candidate is expected to assume her or his functions as of 1 May 2020.
Previous UN Special Rapporteurs on Adequate Housing:
Leilani Farha
Ms. Leilani Farha (Canada)-Appointed in May 2014, assumed her function 2 June 2014. A lawyer by training, for the past 20 years Ms. Farha has worked both internationally and domestically on the implementation of the right to adequate housing for the most marginalized groups.
Raquel Rolnik
In May 2008, at the 7th session of the Human Rights Council, Ms Raquel Rolnik was appointed UN 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.
Miloon Kothari
In 2000, Mr. Kothari was appointed the first 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 . His mandate ended in 2008.
