Published in September 2025, the second UN Secretary-General Report on Homelessness identifies the absence of a global definition and reliable data as major barriers to ending homelessness. Contrary to narratives that frame homelessness as the result of individual choices, homelessness is driven by structural inequalities, social exclusion, stigmas, and systematic barriers. To prevent and end homelessness, there are diverse roles and responsibilities at local, regional, national, and international levels, and governments at every level play an important role in addressing this crisis including implementing evidenced-based systems. In this context, the UN report plays a key role by drawing on 38 written contributions received from national and local governments, civil society, and other stakeholders, and offering recommendations for inclusive policies and programs to address homelessness.
Lacking a safe, stable, and affordable house is, as recognized by the document, as a violation of the human right to adequate housing. Despite increasing attention on this issue, homelessness continues to be a complex, intersectional problem framed by misconceptions and prejudices. In the absence of an internationally agreed definition, the UN report references IGH’s Global Framework on Homelessness as a tool aimed at defining and capturing the full extent and varied forms of homelessness.
Although homelessness is not explicitly included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN report acknowledges that its global rise poses a significant threat to the 2030 Agenda, hindering progress on multiple objectives, such as poverty eradication, health, education, gender equality, and sustainable cities. Ending homelessness is therefore not just a social priority; it is central to countries’ broader development objectives. In line with this, IGH has advocated for the inclusion of homelessness in the SDGs, in order to strengthen data collection, standardize methodologies, and improve policies.
What Does the UN Report Recommend?
Among the key elements identified by the UN Secretary-General’s report are gaps in definitions, data, legislation, and housing solutions across countries. Accordingly, the document recommends prioritizing the development of a shared and inclusive definition of homelessness. In parallel, member states should work to end criminalization and address the systemic drivers of homelessness. Evidence shows that aggressive law-enforcement approaches can further reinforce marginalization and re-traumatize people experiencing homelessness. The United States and Canada have recently implemented ban encampments and eviction strategies that have promoted harmful narratives and stereotypes but have not offered people the necessary assistance to exit homelessness. Evidence shows that criminalization violates human rights and makes access to life-saving services more difficult, deepening the challenges of homelessness rather than addressing its root causes.
At the structural level, urban development, insecure tenure, rising costs, and discriminatory policies have led people to homelessness. In response, the UN Secretary-General recommends its Member States to respect international human rights and housing standards, ensure public investment, governance, and institutional capacity to prevent and address homelessness, as well as recognize intersectionality and design policies that address the specific needs of women, LGBTIQ+ communities, indigenous people, older adults, people with disabilities, youth, and other disproportionately affected groups.
Global Issue, Local Actions
When addressing homelessness, the importance of local and regional efforts cannot be overstated. Reflecting this, the UN Secretary-General’s report highlights the creation of the International Mayors Council on Homelessness in 2023. In 2024, the Council, led by IGH and UN-Habitat, adopted a joint declaration outlining key priorities: prevention, housing-led strategies, multilevel collaboration, tackling stigma, and integrating the voices of lived experience. Additionally, two IGH Vanguard Cities are also featured: Chile’s 2024 national census of homelessness and Glasgow’s eviction-prevention hub, showing how cities are developing solutions to homelessness.
Earlier this month, during the Civil Society Forum at the Regional Sustainable Development event led by CEPAL, civil society organizations and social movements from across Latin America and the Caribbean presented a powerful declaration calling for:
- A new Sustainable Development Goal on homelessness.
- Recognition of people in street situations as a priority in social policies.
- Creation of a permanent regional commission on homelessness.
The declaration was read to government leaders and CEPAL authorities by Laura Giannecchini (CLADE), Flávio Lino (Movimento Nacional da População em Situação de Rua), Milton Rezende (CUT), and Renata Juliotti (Geledés – Instituto da Mulher Negra).
These priorities are also reflected in the UN’s recommendations for developing inclusive policies and strategies to address homelessness worldwide. Without international commitments and coordinated strategies, progress remains limited.
Opportunities for Progress
Similar to CEPAL discussions about homelessness, global leaders and government representatives will have an important platform for action during the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025. The event will take place in Doha, Qatar, on November 4-6, 2025. Over these three days, UN State members will meet and are expected to adopt the Political Declaration, offering an avenue to commit to ending homelessness.
The Draft of the Political Declaration, published in July 2025, calls for “taking urgent national and international action to address homelessness as an obstacle to the enjoyment of human rights and the attainment of social development.” Framed as an issue in the context of social development, the lack of affordable housing is intertwined with homelessness. The document, in particular, recognizes the “universal right to an adequate standard of living,” committing to ensure housing policies for vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness.
The upcoming summit represents a crucial moment to ensure that homelessness is no longer overlooked in global agendas. By adopting the Political Declaration, Member States can strengthen an international commitment to tackling homelessness as a core social development challenge, guaranteeing that every person has a place to call home.