Rights of Homeless Persons in the Universal System of Protection of Human Rights

Purpose: There is no doubt that homelessness is one of the greatest problems of the 21st century that has contributed to the deepening of social inequalities and discrimination, making extensive groups of people without a place to live vulnerable to being unable to exercise fundamental rights and freedoms. The aim of the paper is to answer the following research question—are rights of homeless persons protected under the universal system of human rights? Design/Methodology/Approach: Basic research methods used in this study include the analytical method with a particular focus on the work of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Additionally, the method of interpretation of norms of applicable law will also be used and aided by the statistical method. Findings: The research results have confirmed that the public international law analyses include regulations that refer to the protection of homeless persons under the universal system. It is necessary for states to increase funds allocated to fight the adverse consequences of a lack of a place to live, and international organizations (most of all the UN and its specialized agencies) should play a special role in coordinating such tasks. Practical Implications: The research presented in the paper is particularly important for the protection of fundamental human rights and as a result it specifies possible further support for persons in the homelessness crisis and new directions of development of relevant policies of states and international organizations, which has a crucial practical relevance. Originality/Value: The research will allow a look at the international system of protection of human rights from the perspective of homeless persons, pointing to the scope of rights they are afforded and the possibility to exercise them.