UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

Consider the following statements: 1. 'Right to the City' is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard. 2. 'Right to the City' gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city. 3. 'Right to the City' means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 1 and 2
  4. 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

2 and 3

Explanation

The 'Right to the City' is a concept, not a formally agreed UN human right, and UN-Habitat does not monitor country commitments on it, so statement 1 is wrong. The concept covers the right of inhabitants to reclaim public space and participate in city life (statement 2) and equal access to services, including for residents of unauthorised settlements (statement 3).

Topics: human rights & habitat, polity & governance, right to the city, urban governance