Housing Policy Reform Workshop, Kyiv
Mayor of Kharkiv Igor Terekhov, addresses the situation in Kharkiv.
Housing Policy Reform Workshop
Kyiv, 3 April, 2024
On 3 April, 2024, the Ukrainian Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, the World Bank, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, organized a Housing Policy Reform Workshop in Kyiv with a range of stakeholders, to initiate development of a national housing strategy, as a roadmap for the implementation of the housing reform.
The first session hosted a wide range of development partners who shared their views on the basic principles proposed by Ukraine’s new draft Law 'On the Fundamental Principles of Housing Policy' (Read the full draft Law on the Ministry website).
The second session discussed the role of municipalities in housing reforms, highlighting their critical role in any well-functioning housing system, particularly as they support the implementation of housing laws.
The third session discussed how to develop the most effective and comprehensive housing strategy given Ukraine’s unique context and challenges.
Natalia Kozlovska, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, opened the first session by noting the unprecedented damages to housing and the significant support needed to restore housing in Ukraine. She also highlighted the urgent need for housing policy reform as the current policy reflects the Housing Code developed in 1983 during Soviet times.
During the panel to discuss the ‘Basic Principles of the Housing Policy Law’, UNECE UN4UkrainianCities Regional Consultant Serhii Komnatnyi, shared a brief overview of the preparatory efforts for Ukraine’s new draft Law.
“I am pleased to report that the UNECE has consistently collaborated with the Ukrainian Government concerning housing policy. In 2012, UNECE conducted a comprehensive review of Ukraine's housing strategy, producing a country profile and recommendations, many of which have gained even greater significance today.”
As part of the UN4UkrainianCities project led by the UNECE, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, a key focus has been supporting the Ministry of Restoration's efforts to establish an updated housing policy framework for Ukraine. In addition to their active engagement in the Ministerial Working Group, UNECE experts have, and continue to organize a series of events responding to the Ministry's needs, including seminars, workshops, study tours, and forums to share best practices.
Through these initiatives, the UN4UkrainianCities project aims to support the government’s vision of creating a resilient housing policy in Ukraine, anchored in the principles of sustainable development outlined in the UN Geneva Charter on Sustainable Housing. These principles are: environmental protection; economic effectiveness; social inclusion and participation; and cultural adequacy. Alongside the UN Charter, it was also suggested that the following strategic documents should guide the development of a lasting housing policy:
The Sustainable Development Goals, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution No. 70/1 on 25 September 2015;
The Guidelines for the Implementation of the Right to Adequate Housing, as detailed in the Report of the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context;
The New Urban Agenda;
The EU Housing Partnership Action Plan.
“Reviewing the current draft law, it’s evident that these principles have been thoroughly incorporated and expanded upon.” - Serhii Komnatnyi, UNECE
UNECE UN4UkrainianCities Regional Consultant Serhii Komnatnyi, shares a brief overview of the preparatory efforts for Ukraine’s new draft Law.
Principles of the new draft Law:
1. Accessibility and Barrier-Free Housing: This principle ensures that housing is economically and physically accessible to everyone, catering to a range of physiological, cultural, and social needs.
2. Inviolability of the Right to Housing and Inviolability of Housing: This establishes equal rights for homeowners and tenants alike, rectifying previous disparities in Ukrainian law.
3. Transparency and Public Participation: This principle calls for openness, timely information sharing, and the unrestricted involvement of the public and other stakeholders in housing matters through the creation of a Unified Information-Analytical Housing System. This system is designed to ensure the transparent registration and management of citizens eligible for state housing assistance and the inventory of housing available for service or social purposes. The system aims to minimize bureaucratic interference in all processes. It will provide a comprehensive analysis of a citizen's information, including income, property, and needs. From this analysis, it will offer potential housing solutions for the citizen.
4. Freedom of Choice: This principle ensures that everyone is aware of their housing options, and that individuals can choose their housing solutions independently, informed by transparent information and public participation.
5. Fairness and Equal Access to Housing: This principle aims to develop a housing policy that prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal housing opportunities for everyone, regardless of social or financial standing. While prioritizing certain citizen groups through social housing, affordable rentals, or ownership supported by the state, this principle ensures that no one's rights or opportunities are diminished.
6. Strategic Planning: This principle calls for the development of key policy documents, including the State Housing Policy Strategy of Ukraine and its regional counterparts, to outline the core objectives, tasks, and strategies crucial for the nation over the next five to seven years. Regular assessments of strategy implementation and adaptive responses to economic and social shifts are essential for financial planning to ensure policy effectiveness. This principle marks a critical and novel approach in Ukraine's housing policy.
7. Social Integration: Particularly pertinent given current circumstances, this principle promotes the creation of mixed-income communities, social mobility, and the prevention of poverty concentration, ensuring diversity in socioeconomic backgrounds and cultural identities. This principle has been supported by global partners including the World Bank, EIB, and European Commission.
“I am optimistic that Ukraine's new housing policy will be marked by openness, transparency, a focus on human rights, and security.” - Serhii Komnatnyi, UNECE
Mayor of Kharkiv Igor Terekhov, addressed the grave situation in Kharkiv during the second session, noting that:
“150,000 residents in Kharkiv have no roof over their head. We are going to reconstruct 160 houses just in 2024 so residents can relocate to their homes. We are also in the process of reconstructing many other buildings. In parallel, we are engaged with the Norman Foster Foundation and UNECE under the UN4UkrainianCities project, on the economic strategy for Kharkiv.”
The event demonstrated a comprehensive overview of the Ministerial Working Group's endeavors, delving into the pivotal role of municipalities in the housing reform process. The discussions emphasized not only the urgency of tackling housing challenges in Ukraine, but also the importance of aligning policies within the European context and ensuring future investment in the sector.