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not appear to be carried out on the effectiveness of the policies applied. In the
absence of any commitment to or means of measuring the practical impact of
measures taken, the rights specified in the Charter are likely to remain
ineffective.
66.
In connection with timetabling – with which other regulatory bodies of
international instruments are also very concerned – it is essential for
reasonable deadlines to be set that take account not only of administrative
constraints but also of the needs of groups that fall into the urgent category. At
all events, achievement of the goals that the authorities have set themselves
cannot be deferred indefinitely.
67.
The authorities must also pay particular attention to the impact of their
policy choices on the most vulnerable groups, in this case individuals and
families suffering exclusion and poverty (Autisme Europe v. France,
Complaint No. 13/2002, decision on the merits of 4 November 2003, §53).
b) Interpretation of Article 31 in the light of other international
instruments
68.
The Committee considers that Article 31 must be considered in the light
of relevant international instruments that served as inspiration for its authors
or in conjunction with which it needs to be applied.
69.
This applies above all to the European Convention on Human Rights.
The Committee is particularly concerned that its interpretation of Article 31 is
fully in line with the European Court of Human Rights' interpretation of the
relevant provisions of the Convention.
70.
Further, the United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights is a key source of interpretation. Article 11 recognises the right to
housing as one element of the right to an adequate standard of living:
“Article 11
1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to
an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food,
clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The
States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right,
recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation
based on free consent.
71.
The Committee also attaches great importance to General Comments
4 and 7 of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The
Committee has also paid close attention to and greatly benefited from the
work of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate
Housing, Miloon Kothari.
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