UN Criticizes Flemish Housing Policy for Potential Exclusion

A United Nations special rapporteur has criticized the Flemish authorities' social housing policy, warning that it could lead to social exclusion and geographical segregation. Koldo Casla, the UN's special rapporteur on adequate housing, expressed concerns in a letter to the Flemish government regarding the tightening of access conditions for social housing.

Starting January 1, 2028, individuals on waiting lists for social housing in Flanders will be required to be employed and demonstrate a B1 level of Dutch language proficiency, an increase from the previous A2 level. Currently, this employment requirement only applies to actual tenants. The rapporteur specifically highlighted the language requirement as a potential driver of exclusion, stating, "While I respect the commitment of the Flemish authorities to the protection and promotion of the local and national language, this policy can lead, when applied to public housing assistance, to social exclusion and geographical segregation."

Casla also pointed out that most social housing is allocated to applicants who have resided in the municipality for at least five years, a situation he believes could disadvantage impoverished individuals, including the homeless. He reminded the Flemish authorities of their commitment under UN treaties to ensure the right to housing and other economic, social, and cultural rights are exercised without discrimination. The cabinet of the Flemish Minister of Housing, Melissa Depraetere, has not yet responded to the report.