On 13 February, the NGO Committee on Migration co-sponsored a side event of the 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development titled “Centering homelessness in the light of Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and achieving Agenda 2030.” Throughout the event, the panel discussion drew connections between homelessness, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Copenhagen Declaration, and the forthcoming World Social Summit.
As one of the members of the panel, Cecilie Kern, Chair of the NGO Committee on Migration contributed remarks on the intersections between migration and homelessness, examining their shared root causes, challenges, and the policies needed to address them to ensure that people can live in safety and dignity. She concluded her remarks with a call to action:
In this challenging political landscape, and as we prepare for the World Social Summit in November, we must counter misinformation with facts and empathy. Policies that criminalize migrants or people experiencing homelessness do not solve housing crises; they deepen inequalities. Instead, we should advocate for comprehensive policies aligned with international commitments, including the Global Compacts, the 2030 Agenda, and the Copenhagen Declaration. By ensuring access to housing, social protection, and legal support, we can help displaced individuals and those experiencing homelessness regain a sense of home and belonging. As we prepare for the World Social Summit, let us push for solutions that foster stability, inclusion, and dignity for all.