Man has three fundamental basic needs: shelter, food and clothing. Therefore, the right to shelter or accommodation
is one of the basic fundamental human rights of man. This right has a divine origin. It is also incorporated in the
constitution of some countries such as Bolivia, Germany and Nigeria. The right to housing is in fact an international
human right recognized by both international law, United Nations and regional organizations. Right to housing is an
adjunct to the right to dignity, security and worth of the human person. All these rights are codified in the Ch arter of
the United Nations as well as in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right is also recognized in other UN
conventions such as ICCPR, CEDAW, ICESCR, CRC, etc. Moreover, regional organizations like the African Union,
European Union and the Organisation of American States have codified the right to housing in their conventions and
they have passed several resolutions on it. States have an obligation under both domestic and international law to
enforce the rights of their citizens to the right of housing. Individuals too have a fundamental human right to enforce
this prerogative under national and international laws. The methodology adopted in this paper is doctrinal and
comparative. The right to housing is a cornerstone of dignity and social justice. It is firmly established under
International Law, its implementation remains inconsistent. As global challenges evolve – urbanisation, inequality,
climate change – the need for secure, affordable and adequate housing is more pressing than ever.

Keywords: Shelter, accommodation, housing, human rights, United Nations