This paper analyzes the Human Rights Instruments of the United Nations (UN) over Housing within the context of Housing Shortage in Latin America. Likewise, we also provide a definition of the variables used by these nations in accordance with their respective Institutes for Statistics. Then, these variables are compared with the “Housing Index” developed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 1991. The implementation of the Direct and Income Methods, which measure the lack of basic needs, generate what is labeled by these countries and multilateral agencies as proper housing: a diagnosis from a Housing Shortage perspective. Such an approach is based on basic needs and the possession of durable goods and services, which are acquired according to the financial capability of households. Even though the documents issued by national and multilateral agencies reveal the “Proper Housing” state of each country, Housing Shortage refers to scantiness, analyzes the access to housing and basic services such as the goods and services provided by the State and does not establish the capacity of households to satisfy their needs or the degree of proper housing.
Author Biography
Mónica Mejía-Escalante, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Architect, MSc in Habitat, National University of Colombia. PhD candidate in Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Professor, National University of Colombia.
Mejía-Escalante, M. (2015). Basic needs: durable goods and services of proper housing. Revista INVI, 30(85), 147–178. Retrieved from https://revistapolitica.uchile.cl/index.php/INVI/article/view/62663
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