Background
The Committee on Human Settlements initiated the project in 1994. (Pilot project proposal,
September 1994)
The Country Profiles on the housing sector were prepared and published for
Bulgaria (1996), Poland (1998),
Slovakia (1999), Lithuania (2000),
Romania (2000/2001), the Republic of Moldova (2001),
Albania (2002), Armenia and
the Russian Federation (2004) and Serbia and Montenegro (2005).
At its 62nd session the Committee on Human Settlements reviewed the implementation of the recommendations of the Country
Profiles, discussed the usefulness of the study and possible future follow-up activities. (
Report on the 62nd Session ECE/HBP/122 para IV B)
Benefits
Countries with economies in transition are the major beneficiaries of the project.
The benefits of a Country Profile are several:
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The process invites the country to improve its statistical and other data for later use, and to self-evaluate
existing conditions, trends, policy commitments, institutional arrangements and practical capabilities for
carrying out work nationally;
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When a study is launched, different governmental, private and non-governmental institutions are brought
together, often for the first time, to discuss housing problems and to find solutions.
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Governmental and other agencies get a tool for assessing and redirecting their policies and facilitating
their decision-making processes, for eliminating bottlenecks, and for establishing long-term strategies
for housing improvement;
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The report provides relevant and updated information to all actors, public and private, working in housing
in the country and abroad. It also lays the basis for international comparison and subsequent studies;
The project is also linked to other activities of the Committee, such as urban renewal case studies and
land administration. The project encourages countries
to improve their human settlements statistics.
Particular emphasis is put on experiences with governance and new ways of cooperation between different levels
of government.
Country Profiles studies provide a unique opportunity to pursue an innovative and collective approach to
resolving the existing and expected problems in housing in the UNECE region.
See also: