We are excited to announce the release of our new guide, "Our Right to Adequate Housing," now available in English and Sotho, with a Zulu version coming soon.
The guide focuses on what the Right to Adequate Housing means for residents of informal settlements and occupied buildings in inner-city Johannesburg. It was a collaborative effort between ASF-UK, 1to1 Agency of Engagement, and the IIED's Housing Justice team as part of our ongoing Change by Design Johannesburg initiative.
In September 2023, ASF-UK and 1to1 - Agency of Engagement conducted a peer-learning workshop in Johannesburg to discuss the Right to Adequate Housing in the inner city. Community organisers from 1to1, ICF (Inner City Forum), ICRC (Inner City Resource Centre), and SERI (Socio-Economic Rights Institute) took part in the workshop. During the workshop, we explored the meaning of the Right to Adequate Housing and discussed ways to advance this right for informal housing residents living in the inner city, whether in informal settlements or unlawfully occupied buildings. The workshop resulted in this publication, which collates key points of interest and interpretations raised during the discussions.
The guide highlights the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to adequate housing. With reference to inner-city Johannesburg, it explores the rights of residents, the responsibilities of the state, and what civil society organisations can do to advance this right. We hope that this guide will inspire important conversations and actions towards achieving adequate housing for all.