38 civil society organizations in Flanders are approaching a human rights committee in Strasbourg, because they believe that there are not enough good and affordable rental housing. “Living is a fundamental right”, they write their website. “Despite years of struggle between organizations and people living in poverty and despite years of scientific research, successive governments have remained blind to many recommendations.”
The organizations will therefore go to the European Committee of Social Rights (ESRB) in Strasbourg on 17 December. It assesses complaints about non-compliance with the European Social Charter (ESH) by countries that have signed it. The ESC is a human rights treaty that states that everyone should have access to good, affordable housing and protection against poverty.
Climate case
The 38 organizations have united in the Flemish Housing Case, following the example of the Belgian Climate Case, a foundation that brought Belgian governments to court because their climate policy fell short.
“Currently, more than 155,000 families are on a waiting list for social housing,” said Woonzaak spokesperson Hugo Beersmans. The morning. “47 percent of private rental housing is of inadequate quality and 52 percent of private tenants pay more than a third of their income in rent.”
Good chance
Three Flemish legal experts give the Vlaamse Woonzaak in Strasbourg a good chance. But unlike a court, the ESRB can only provide advice. Even then, the journey to Strasbourg makes sense, says Beersmans. If the Flemish government is rapped on the fingers, it may take action, he hopes. “Something needs to be done urgently to keep the situation livable.”
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