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 (2001), the Republic of Moldova (2002), Albania (2002), Armenia and the Russian Federation (2004), Serbia and Montenegro (2006), Georgia (2007), Belarus (2008), Kyrgyzstan (2010), Azerbaijan (2010) and Tajikistan (2011).
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 country strives to improve the gathering of its statistical data on housing, to obtain an external, objective evaluation of its housing sector, including trends, policy commitments, institutional arrangements and practical capabilities for carrying out activities at the national level
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The government under review is provided with a tool for assessing and redirecting its policies, for eliminating bottlenecks, facilitating decision-making processes and for establishing long-term strategies for housing improvement.
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The Government is provided with relevant and updated information on the housing sector. It also lays the basis for international comparison and subsequent studies.
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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.
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.
Related information:
- Follow-up workshop to the country profile of Armenia (20-21 May 2005)
Report (HBP/2005/4) ENG FRE RUS - Follow-up workshop to the country profile of Albania (16-17 February 2004)
Report (HBP/2004/2) ENG FRE RUS - Follow-up to the country profile of Romania (12-15 October 2002)
Report (HBP/2003/5) ENG FRE RUS - Initiation of the country profile for Romania - Workshop on housing finance (30 January - 1 February 2000)
Report (HBP/2000/4) ENG FRE RUS - Country review of Kyrgyzstan: Overview and recommended action on sustainable development and human settlements (3-10 July 1999)
Report (HBP/2000/2) ENG FRE RUS
