Rep. Lewis Introduces Resolution Promoting U.S. Human Rights Leadership Abroad and At Home

Press Type: Press Release   Associated Program: Human Rights

Released: 05/2009

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 8, 2009 - The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP) applauds Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), who yesterday introduced H. Res. 416, an important resolution calling for the U.S. to renew its global leadership on human rights by ratifying outstanding human rights treaties that protect basic economic and social rights, including the human right to housing. Recognition of the human right to housing here at home is an essential step in ending and preventing the unacceptable reality of homelessness in America.

According to Maria Foscarinis, Executive Director of NLCHP, "Recognizing that this basic human need is also a human right is critical to putting in place policies that ensure that no one has to be homeless in America. In this time of economic crisis, we are seeing the impact of treating housing as a commodity; it's time for a new approach that focuses instead on making sure that all Americans have a place to call home."
 
The resolution traces America's strong leadership in human rights both in its actions at the international level, as well as at the domestic level, from the Civil Rights era to today.  Of particular importance, the resolution calls for a "thorough review of domestic policy and legislative proposals that would improve the economic, social, political, cultural, and civil rights and lives of marginalized communities within the United States."
 
These treaties have been ratified by all of our major allies, and the fact that we have not yet ratified them often compromises American leadership on human rights abroad.  "One of these treaties, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, includes an affirmation of the right to housing," noted Eric Tars, Human Rights Attorney at NLCHP. "Recognizing this right will help address the crisis of homelessness in America.  As millions of Americans have already lost their homes in this time of economic crisis, this is exactly the kind of framework we need to rebuild our economy in a just and fair manner."
 
Recent polling indicates that more than 8 in 10 Americans believe in the concept of human rights, and more than 2/3 of Americans believe that adequate income to meet basic housing and food needs is a human right. "Because these values are a given for most Americans, many believe we have already ratified these treaties," said Tars. " It's time for America to put its money where its mouth - and heart - are."
 
As Rep. Lewis states in a letter to his colleagues seeking their co-sponsorship of the resolution, "The United States was founded on the principles of civil and human rights.  This resolution reminds our country and the world of that commitment."
 
NLCHP will be working with its allies to garner support for the resolution in the House, and in the Senate to secure ratification of the treaties themselves.  Those interested in assisting this process should contact NLCHP at nlchp@nlchp.org or 202-638-2535.

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