TASHKENT: Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, is visiting Uzbekistan from August 19 to August 30, Uzbek media outlet UzA reported. The visit aims to evaluate various aspects of housing in Uzbekistan, including affordability, accessibility, and the implications of climate change.
During his visit, Rajagopal will focus on several key issues. These include the affordability of housing prices, the availability of housing for all demographic groups, and the process and impact of forced evictions. He will also examine how climate change affects housing laws and urban development, and assess public participation in decision-making processes related to urban planning.
The Special Rapporteur’s itinerary includes visits to major cities such as Tashkent, Jizzakh, Samarkand, and Bukhara, as well as surrounding areas. His agenda will encompass a range of sites, including student dormitories, shelters for victims of domestic violence, and facilities for the homeless.
He is scheduled to meet with a diverse group of stakeholders, including national and local government officials, judges, community residents, and members of the business sector.
Rajagopal’s visit underscores the UN’s commitment to addressing housing challenges globally, particularly in emerging economies and developing regions.
Rajagopal will hold a press conference to discuss his findings and observations. He will then prepare a detailed report, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2025.
