NLCHP Publications


Download the Digital Version (PDF)

CERD Concluding Observations

2008 Review of U.S. Compliance with ICERD

The CERD Concluding Observations were issued at the conclusion of the 2008 review of the U.S. under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This process involved a large number of social justice organizations, and in terms of raising housing and homelessness issues was a huge success for all involved. Issues NLCHP raised in our shadow report to the Committee and in person in Geneva were incorporated by the Committee in the following paragraphs:

5. Cites positively the 2005 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. (However, it fails to include NLCHP recommendations for expanded housing protections for domestic violence survivors.)
9. Cites positively the California Housing Element, which requires planning for housing needs of all.
10. Criticizes the U.S. for avoiding a definition of racial discrimination that requires remedying laws with discriminatory effect. (A cross-cutting concern, but one that NLCHP reiterated as essential for racially-disparate housing issues.)
14. Criticizes racial profiling. (Another cross-cutting concern that NLCHP's report framed in terms of the disparate effects of the criminalization of homelessness)
16. Criticizes residential segregation and substandard housing conditions with inadequate access to services. (NLCHP also pushed the Committee to recommend 1-for-1 replacement and the need for consultation with affected groups.)
22. Criticizes the lack of indigent defense systems, including recommending civil counsel for cases where basic needs such as housing are at stake. (Another cross-cutting issue with housing specified directly as a result of NLCHP advocacy.)
26. Criticizes the incidence of rape and sexual violence and recommends adequately funding prevention and shelters. (Another cross-cutting issue that included housing issues as a result of NLCHP advocacy)
31. Criticizes the U.S. government's response to Hurricane Katrina. (It also calls for guaranteeing the right to return and access to adequate, affordable housing and consultation of affected groups.)

Go Back