The European Committee of Social Rights declared the complaint admissible on 9 December 2020. The complaint is against the Czech Republic (191/2020) and concerns Article 16 of the European Social Charter, which guarantees the right of the family to social, legal and economic protection. In particular, the Committee considers FEANTSA's complaint admissible under Article 4 of the Protocol, as it is signed by an authorised representative and sufficiently describes the alleged violation by the Czech Republic of Article 16 of the 1961 Charter. The Committee will now examine the merits of the complaint and determine whether the Czech Republic has violated Article 16 of the Charter. If a violation is found, the Committee may make recommendations to the Czech Republic on how to remedy the situation and bring its policies and practices into conformity with the provisions of the Charter.
On 29 March 2021, the Czech Republic responded to each of these claims by referring to various national policies and regulations. For example, it referred to the Czech Republic's Social Housing Concept, which aims to provide adequate housing for all, with a particular focus on providing social housing to those who need it. The Czech Republic also assessed the progress made in achieving the objectives of the Concept and discussed the Social Housing Support (2016) initiative, which was implemented to strengthen the social housing system in the country.
On 9 July, FEANTSA reiterated its complaint against the Czech Republic for insufficient support for social housing and limited access to affordable housing. It also notes rising housing costs, policy deficits and a low stock of social housing. Challenges faced by homeless families, ineffective social assistance, discrimination against Roma and threats to security of tenure are also mentioned.
On 3 September 2021, the Czech Republic wrote that it is implementing various tools to support social housing, including financial incentives and legal frameworks. The bill on affordable housing has been delayed due to COVID-19, but a bill on non-profit housing companies has been prepared. The government acknowledges challenges but claims to be taking steps to ensure access to housing, including evaluating the implementation of the Roma Integration Strategy and strengthening safeguards against eviction.
English
Jurisdiction:
Article 16 - The right of the family to social, legal and economic protection
Subject:
Right to housing
Country:
