Accra, Sept. 28, GNA – Mr Koldo Casla, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, will undertake an official visit to Ghana from September 28 to October 9, 2026.
A statement shared with the Ghana News Agency on Sunday said Mr Casla would assess the protection and realisation of the right to adequate housing in both law and practice.
His review will cover access to public housing, affordability in the private housing sector, habitability standards, and access to essential services.
The statement said the Special Rapporteur would examine measures implemented by Ghana to ensure that everyone enjoyed the right to adequate housing.
He would also study the impact of the climate crisis on housing rights, as well as the extent of residents’ participation in decision-making processes relating to housing and urban development.
Mr Casla would also engage with authorities of the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Tamale and its surrounding communities, and Cape Coast.
He is expected to meet with national and local government officials, civil society organisations, and private-sector stakeholders.
The Special Rapporteur would meet with tenants, residents of informal settlements, and people experiencing homelessness to gain first-hand insight into housing challenges across the country.
At the end of the mission on October 9, Mr Casla would hold a press conference at 1130 hours at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office at North Ridge, Accra.
He is expected to present his preliminary observations and subsequently submit a comprehensive report on his findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027.
Special Rapporteurs form part of the Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts within the UN human rights system.
The Special Procedures mechanism comprises independent fact-finding and monitoring mandates that address either specific country situations or thematic human rights issues worldwide.
The statement noted that Special Procedures experts serve in their personal capacity on a voluntary basis.
“They are not UN staff members, do not receive a salary for their work, and operate independently of any government or organisation,” it said.
It added that country-specific observations and recommendations issued by UN human rights mechanisms, including the Special Procedures, treaty bodies, and the Universal Periodic Review, are available on the Universal Human Rights Index website.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe