Breaking the Vicious Circle between Discrimination and Homelessness

Abstract

Homelessness is without a doubt a global phenomenon, constantly increasing at an alarming rate. Although discourse about homelessness is predominantly linked to discourse about inadequate housing, homelessness does not only amount to a breach of the right to housing, but furthermore constitutes a violation of a broad range of human rights, including non-discrimination. This article discusses how homelessness and discrimination mutually exacerbate and magnify one another, creating a vicious circle. The article places homelessness in a human rights framework, arguing that enhancing the anti-discrimination legislation is an essential component of breaking this vicious circle. In particular, the article suggests acknowledging homelessness as a protected ground under anti-discrimination law, illustrating how expanding the list of protected grounds in anti-discrimination law in Europe is expected to reinforce the effectiveness and coherence of the anti-discrimination legal framework and encourage its implementation, by remedying some of its shortcomings vis-à-vis people experiencing homelessness.