Consider the following statements:

1. ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
2. ‘Right to the City’ gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
3. ‘Right to the City’ means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

Answer: (c)        

Why this question:

• In Ajay Maken & Ors. vs Union of India & Ors. (2019), the Delhi High Court invoked the idea of the “Right to the City” to uphold the housing rights of slum dwellers.
• Right to the city was seen in news in the context of Delhi’s Draft Master Plan 2041

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The Right to the City is a central component of the New Urban Agenda, which was agreed upon at Habitat III. UN-Habitat works with various partners to implement and monitor the commitments made under the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11.
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights supports social justice by promoting, defending, and fulfilling all human rights related to habitat, including the Human Right to Adequate Housing, Land, and the Right to the City, in all regions of the world.
• There is a “World Charter for the Right to the City,” which provides a progressive framework for rethinking cities and urbanization.
• Statement 2 is correct. The Right to the City is the right of all current and future inhabitants, both permanent and temporary, to inhabit, use, occupy, produce, transform, govern, and enjoy cities, towns, and human settlements that are just, inclusive, safe, sustainable, and democratic. It is defined as a common good for enjoying life with dignity and peace. This right also implies responsibilities for governments and individuals to claim, defend, and promote this right.
• The Right to the City encompasses various claims, including the social function of the city, quality public spaces, sustainable and inclusive rural-urban linkages, inclusive economies, inclusive citizenship, enhanced political participation, non-discrimination, gender equality, and cultural diversity.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Right to the City does not guarantee any specific public service or facility for unauthorized colonies in a city. Rather, it guarantees access to common goods and services that are essential for a good quality of life.