This report describes UN-HABITAT’s operational activities in single-page sketches each devoted to an on-going project or programme. These reference sheets include the total project or programme cost, partner institutions, background objectives, activities and results. The report is divided into six sections. The first covers global and interregional programmes and projects, followed by five sections describing UN-HABITAT’s operational activities in each region.

Demonstrates that most arguments leading to the current bias against rental housing are highly flawed. Argues for more tenure-neutral housing policies, and urges governments to modify regulatory frameworks, develop credit programmes and other forms of assistance to support housing production, with a view to creating more rental housing and to improve the existing stock.

This report was prepared as an output of Habitat 1998/99 Work Programme, the objectives of which include the formulation of shelter policies focusing on the needs of vulnerable groups and assisting government and partners in civil society in adopting strategies for the progressive realization of the human right to adequate housing

This publication aims at beginning to fill the vacuum in rural shelter policy.