The Right to Adequate Housing: Turkish Citizens Struggle with Housing Crisis Ahead of Elections.
Over the course of just one year, the monthly rent for the couple’s two-bedroom flat has skyrocketed
by 147 percent, from 4,650 Turkish liras to 11,500 liras (approximately $600), a price that is 25
percent higher than the minimum wage in Turkey. Such exorbitant rental prices are putting a
significant strain on the couple’s finances, and they are now relying on legal severance pay until they
can secure a new job. Unfortunately, new tenants are paying even more, with prices for flats similar
to theirs reaching as high as 15,000 liras ($770).
Background.
The high cost of housing and the dearth of reasonably priced rental options have made Turkey’s
housing crisis a significant problem for its people. The right to appropriate housing, which is
acknowledged as a fundamental human right under international law, is one area where the crisis has
wide-ranging effects on the populace.
Recent studies claim that Turkey’s housing crisis is characterised by an abrupt increase in housing costs, a lack of accessible rental options, and subpar living conditions in many places. Many Turkish individuals are now unable to buy homes and are being forced to live in cramped, subpar conditions.
All people have the right to sufficient housing under international law, which includes the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural
Rights. Thus, it is the duty of the Turkish government to guarantee the enjoyment of this right, which
is now being compromised by the housing crisis, by its residents.
Given that the price and availability
of housing are important problems for many Turkish citizens, the crisis has substantial ramifications
for the 2018 elections. Lack of access to adequate housing options threatens the population’s general
wellness and financial stability. Housing is a basic need.
The Turkish government must move swiftly and decisively to address the problem and guarantee that
all citizens have access to options for decent, safe, and cheap housing. This entails putting in place
laws and policies that encourage the availability of affordable housing options, dealing with the
underlying causes of the housing crisis, and helping individuals who are having a hard time finding a
place to live.
It is crucial that Turkish citizens demand action from their elected leaders on this important subject as
they get ready to use their right to vote. A fundamental human right that must be safeguarded is the
right to adequate housing, and the Turkish government must make sure that all individuals have
access to suitable housing options.
The Crisis: a Synopsis.
Turkey’s residents are coping with a housing crisis that seriously threatens their access to sufficient
housing as the country prepares for its forthcoming elections. As people struggle to find inexpensive
and adequate housing options, the notion of owning a home is becoming more and more unattainable
for many Turkish citizens.
According to recent estimates, Turkey’s housing problem is characterised by increasing home prices, a
lack of accessible rental options, and poor housing quality. Due to the high cost of living, many Turks
are priced out of the housing market, while others are left with few options and are forced to live in
poor, crowded conditions.
The housing problem has significant effects on the Turkish populace, particularly in light of the
upcoming elections. The right to appropriate housing is acknowledged as a fundamental human right
by international law, notably the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The current housing crisis undercuts the Turkish
government’s duty to see to it that its residents can exercise this freedom.
Turkish authorities must move quickly to address the problem and make sure that everyone has access
to decent, safe housing that is affordable. This entails putting in place laws and policies that
encourage accessible housing options, figuring out what’s causing the housing crisis, dealing with
those issues, and helping those who are having a hard time finding a place to live.
It is vital that the Turkish people demand action from their elected leaders on this urgent matter as
they get ready to use their right to vote. A fundamental human right that must be upheld is the right to
appropriate housing, and it is the duty of the Turkish government to guarantee that all citizens have
access to suitable housing options.
The Housing Crisis in Turkey: A Legal Perspective.
In addition to being a social and economic problem, Turkey’s housing crisis is also a legal one.
International law, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant
on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, recognises the right to appropriate housing as a
fundamental human right. As a signatory to both of these documents, Turkey is obligated by law to
defend and advance the right to appropriate housing.
This entitlement, however, is jeopardised by Turkey’s present housing crisis, which prevents many
individuals from finding adequate housing options because of exorbitant costs, a dearth of reasonably
priced rental homes, and subpar living conditions. This raises serious questions about the
government’s adherence to its constitutional duties and the defence of citizens’ basic human rights.
Furthermore, having a roof over one’s head is not the only requirement for having suitable housing. It
also contains other components like security of tenure, freedom from forcible eviction, and access to
necessities like water and sanitation.
These factors are also in danger in Turkey’s housing crisis since
many residents who live in substandard housing may not have access to essential services or face the
fear of eviction. To address the legal implications of the housing crisis, the Turkish government must
take immediate action to ensure that all citizens have access to affordable, safe, and adequate housing.
This includes implementing policies and regulations that promote affordable housing options,
addressing the root causes of the housing crisis, and providing support to those who are struggling to
find housing. The government must also ensure that citizens’ rights to water, sanitation, and security
of tenure are protected.
The government’s ability to uphold its duties to preserve and advance the right to sufficient housing is
seriously questioned by the housing crisis in Turkey. The government must act right away to address
the situation and make sure that everyone may exercise their basic human right to sufficient housing.
Failure to do so threatens not only the rights of citizens but also the democratic values and the rule of
law, all of which are necessary for a healthy society.
The Possible Future for the Turks.
Future prospects for Turkey’s housing crisis can take a variety of forms.
One potential outcome is that the situation worsens, leading to significant increases in housing costs
and a reduction in the number of accessible rental homes. This might exacerbate the housing situation
and even spark social unrest by increasing homelessness and resulting in substandard living
circumstances for many Turkish individuals.
Another possibility is that the Turkish government acts swiftly to address the housing problem,
enacting laws and policies to support people in need and encourage the availability of inexpensive
housing options. This could entail boosting government funding for affordable housing, offering
incentives to developers to build more cheap homes, and enhancing tenant protection regulations to
stop landlord exploitation. Such measures might assist in easing the housing problem and enhancing
the general welfare of the populace.
Another possibility is that the housing crisis becomes a key topic
in the next elections, with several individuals and parties offering their own proposals on how to
address the problem. As a result, the election’s results may have a big impact on Turkey’s property
market because the winning coalition or party may impose measures to deal with the situation.
The outcome of Turkey’s housing problem will ultimately depend on a number of variables, including
governmental initiatives, economic conditions, and social dynamics. While the crisis poses serious
obstacles for the nation, there are also chances to address its underlying causes and enhance the
general wellbeing of the populace.
