This book presents a critical analysis of the concept of ‘adequate housing’. While the concept of adequate housing is used largely as a normative standard in the protection of housing rights and in the implementation of housing policies, its apparent objectivity and universality have never been questioned by political and legal theory. This book analyses and challenges the understanding of this term in law and politics by investigating its relationship with the idea of ‘home’. ‘It is necessary to provide them with adequate housing!’ It is very common to hear this phrase when dealing with housing poverty, especially in relation to migrants, minorities, indigenous and other subaltern groups are concerned. But what does "adequate housing" mean? This book tackles this issue by proposing a critical analysis of this concept and of its use in the development of housing policies addressing the subaltern group par excellence in Europe, Roma. In so doing, it focuses on the lives of Roma and Sinti in Italy who have been the target of inclusion policies. Highlighting the emotional connection to housing, and dismantling some of the most ‘common sense’ ideas about Roma, it offers a radical revision of how social justice in the housing sector might be refigured. This book will be invaluable for scholars and students working on relevant themes in socio and critical legal studies, sociology, human rights, urban studies, human geography and Romani studies

In recent years, increased attention has been given to economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights internationally and, to a certain degree, domestically. However not enough has been done to consider fully and systematically the economic, social and cultural rights of minorities and indigenous peoples. This guide aims to bridge this gap. It provides an overview of ESC rights and how these can be applied to minorities and indigenous peoples. Aimed at minority and indigenous activists and those working with them, each chapter has been written by an expert on a particular right, who provides practical information and advice about the best ways to advocate for securing ESC rights. The chapters cover the rights to food and water, housing, health, education, labour and culture and describe the legal standards, enforcement mechanisms, and guidelines for successful civil society advocacy.

"One purpose of this book is to respond to this shift: to look beyond the more abstract and ideological discussions of the nature of socio-economic rights in order to engage empirically with how such rights have manifested in international practice". -- INTRODUCTION.