UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)

Restitution isn’t just a legal process. It’s how we build peace after displacement. When people are displaced, the loss goes far beyond shelter. They lose land. They lose rights. They lose the legal and emotional anchors of home. After conflict, disaster, or forced eviction, restoring housing and property rights isn’t just about rebuilding. It’s about justice, identity, and peace. That’s where the Pinheiro Principles come in. Developed by the UN in 2005 by Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, these global guidelines lay out how to support refugees and displaced people to reclaim what they’ve lost — or receive fair compensation. Here’s what they include 👇 🔹 Restitution is a right Displaced people have the legal right to get their homes, land or property back. 🔹 Covers everyone Refugees, IDPs, disaster survivors, tenants, women, and those without documents — all have equal rights. 🔹 Return must be voluntary and safe No one should be forced back into unsafe or undignified conditions. 🔹 Rebuilding systems is essential Legal aid, functioning land registries, and clear claims processes are key. 🔹 Balance is critical Solutions must respect the rights of current occupants and affected communities. 🔹 Compensation is part of the process If return isn’t possible, fair compensation must be available. 🔹 Align with international law National laws must reflect international human rights and refugee standards. 🔹 Protect records and stop discrimination Secure land titles, fix broken systems, and repeal unjust laws. 🔹 Include people in decisions Processes must be transparent, participatory, and accessible. 🔹 The world has a role International actors must support restitution efforts — politically and financially. Restitution isn’t a box to tick. It’s the bridge between crisis and stability. Let’s not rebuild without it.

UN-Habitat is extending the deadline for expressions of interest to host the global observance of World Cleanup Day 2025, focused on tackling fashion and textile waste. 📍 Why host? ✅ Showcase your country’s leadership in sustainable fashion ✅ Inspire global action towards a circular economy ✅ Strengthen international collaboration in waste management Don’t miss this opportunity to drive real change! 📩 New deadline: Submit your expression of interest by 30th April 2025. ➡️ https://loom.ly/gQFwrdM

This one principle can make or break post-conflict peace: give people their homes back ⚖️ A new guide on implementing the Pinheiro Principles in the Middle East and North Africa spells it out: Helping refugees and displaced people reclaim homes, land and property is central to durable recovery. Here’s what stood out: ↪️ Restitution is political. It’s about justice, power, and stability — not just technical processes. ↪️ Return isn’t the only goal. Compensation, new housing, even local integration can all uphold rights. ↪️ Systems matter. Without trusted institutions – registries, courts, legal aid – the process breaks down. ↪️ Discrimination is baked in. Women and marginalised groups are often shut out. Inclusion needs to be designed in. ↪️ Context is everything. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Legal and cultural systems vary – the response must too. ↪️ The risks are real. Land disputes can restart conflict. Restitution done wrong can deepen divisions. The guide doesn’t pretend it’s easy. But it makes one thing clear: No stable future is possible without dealing with the past — starting with land and home. To read our latest guide (Arabic), search: "Housing and Property Restitution for Refugees and Displaced Persons"

Eid Mubarak! As communities around the world come together to celebrate the end of #Ramadan, we reflect on the values of solidarity, compassion and shared humanity. At UN-Habitat, we remain committed to building inclusive, resilient cities and communities where everyone can thrive in peace and dignity. Wishing all who celebrate a joyful and meaningful #Eid filled with hope, harmony and renewal.

🌍 Every year, we generate over 2 billion tonnes of municipal waste—and it’s only rising. If we don’t act now, this could reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, fueling the triple planetary crisis. This #ZeroWasteDay, UN-Habitat highlights the urgent need to tackle fashion & textile waste, a growing burden on our cities. From fast fashion to overproduction, textile waste is overwhelming communities—especially the 1.1 billion people living in informal settlements with limited waste services. Cities must lead the way by embracing circular economies, investing in textile innovation and ensuring informal waste workers are part of the solution. Through Waste Wise Cities & the African Clean Cities Platform, UN-Habitat is driving action to make waste a resource, not a problem. 🚀 Let’s rethink fashion, reduce waste and take action together. The time to act is now! 💚 Join the movement to #BeatWastePollution: https://loom.ly/z1Q1jdA

Statement by the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, expressing condolences and solidarity following the devastating Earthquake in #Myanmar and #Thailand. The Executive Director of UN-Habitat extends her heartfelt condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand. She expresses deep sorrow over the loss of life and widespread destruction and reaffirms UN-Habitat’s commitment to supporting the affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts. 🔗 Read the full statement here: https://loom.ly/BUYyDqw

🚨 Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake: Emergency Appeal A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing loss of life and widespread destruction. 📍 Impact at a glance: 🔹 An estimated 7 million people affected 🔹 Critical infrastructure—including hospitals, bridges, and heritage sites—severely damaged UN-Habitat is calling on humanitarian agencies and development partners to join efforts and mobilize resources for life-saving aid and long-term recovery solutions. With years of expertise in earthquake risk management, UN-Habitat stands ready to support: ✔️ Rapid damage assessments to inform response efforts ✔️ Build Back Better housing reconstruction with earthquake-resistant structures ✔️ Innovative, sustainable solutions, including prefabricated shelters and renewable energy ✔️ Community-led recovery, prioritizing vulnerable populations ✔️ Coordination with UN agencies, local authorities, and technical partners for an effective response The road to recovery must be inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. 🔗 Learn more: https://loom.ly/18meEws UN-Habitat Myanmar #UN-Habitat Thailand

People are buying more clothes than ever, but they don’t stay in closets for long. This relentless cycle of overproduction and waste is draining resources and polluting ecosystems An easy fix? Wear them longer. Extending the life of clothing can cut emissions and reduce waste—the planet will thank you! This #ZeroWasteDay, let’s rethink fashion and act to #BeatWastePollution: https://loom.ly/NYSwd9Y

As the United Nations is turning 80 years old, I can’t help but reflect on what an audacious experiment this Organization has been. In all of human history, there had never been a single place where every government, every culture, every nation united to help fix the world and build something better. In many ways, the UN is a living miracle. And I am very proud of my colleagues who keep that miracle alive each and every day. Our work is not simply a job – it’s a mission. It’s a calling to serve humanity, to ease human suffering, to make peace, to bring people together. We don’t know exactly what is ahead, but I can assure you of three things: We will never stop sticking to UN principles and values. We will never stop striving to make those values real in people’s lives. And we will never, ever give up. #UN80

Extending the life of clothing should benefit the planet—not put communities at risk. 🌍👕 Yet, much of the world’s used textiles are shipped to the Global South, where inadequate waste management leads to landfills, burning, or dumping in waterways—polluting ecosystems and endangering public health. A truly circular fashion industry must prioritize responsible reuse and recycling without shifting the burden elsewhere. Stronger policies, industry accountability, and conscious choices are key to tackling textile waste and finding real solutions to #BeatWastePollution.