A/HRC/34/51/Add.1 urgent notice of the denial of the right to housing for persons living in the streets in Delhi, recognizing the threat that poses to the right to life. In order to monitor compliance with its decision, and interim orders emanating from it, the Supreme Court appointed commissioners empowered to demand redress, report on implementation and conduct inquiries into government action. That is impressive, and a welcome way of ensuring that rights-based decisions are carried forward and of ensuring a dialogue with the court that remains seized with the matter. The Supreme Court has established detailed guidelines for states to establish shelters with adequate and appropriate facilities, and to remain accountable to the court with respect to progress on that front. VI. Conclusions and recommendations 80. India is at a critical juncture in term of protection of the right to adequate housing, which is currently at a tipping point owing to the country’s accelerated urbanization, population growth and resultant growing inequality. Over 58.6 million households do not have access to adequate housing in urban and rural India. Taken in combination with the extensive need for reparation of dilapidated housing stock and the unmet provision of essential services such as ventilation, electricity, water, sanitation and waste management, the challenges are considerable. If the critical situation of those who are landless, homeless, inadequately housed and displaced is to be taken as a serious human rights priority, there must be a vigorous effort without delay on the part of all levels of government to put the right to adequate housing at the centre of the agenda. 81. The Special Rapporteur acknowledges the leadership of the central Government in putting in place ambitious schemes aimed at addressing the rising demand for adequate housing. Clearly there is political will to bring the Housing for All and other schemes to fruition in forthcoming years, and to guarantee that positive outcomes are enjoyed by a broad segment of the population. The Special Rapporteur also had the opportunity to assess the impressive plans and programmes put in place by the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and by the Delhi Authorities, and she became aware of the intricacies and complexity in terms of coordination and cooperation between the states and the centre, and between various departments and institutions. The Special Rapporteur recognizes that every state in India grapples with a vast number of people and issues, comparable with large countries in the world, while still being committed to the essence of federalism. 82. However, the Special Rapporteur is concerned that short-term schemes will not be sufficient to address the housing situation of those who are most disenfranchised and discriminated against with respect to housing. As a next step, and in keeping with the political commitments made under the New Urban Agenda, 55 India needs an overarching, visionary and coherent piece of legislation based on human rights. A national housing law that aims to address growing inequalities and offers a long-term road map is essential. In addition, the economy of India is and will continue expanding, which suggests that it will continue to have the necessary resources to implement the right to adequate housing across the country. 83. In the Special Rapporteur’s view, the existing schemes seem to emphasize and focus primarily on homeownership as the key housing model to respond to the current needs of India. However, even when well regulated, that model may be ill-suited to ensuring adequate housing for those most in need, including women, religious 55 See https://habitat3.org/the-new-urban-agenda/. 19