This publication, which focuses on natural and human-made disasters, is the third of three volumes of the Abridged Edition of the Global Report 2007.

The main purpose of this volume is to present, in summary form, the main findings of the Global Report 2007 on natural and human-made disasters and, on the basis of this, to suggest policy directions for mitigating the impacts of natural and human made-disasters on urban settlements.

This policy paper forms part of UN-HABITAT’S Global Campaign on Urban Governance. The Campaign fosters the implementation of the Habitat Agenda goal of achieving sustainable human settlements in an urbanising world. Improving urban governance has been recognised internationally as one of the crucial steps towards the eradication of poverty.

The Campaign’s aim, therefore, is to raise awareness of, and advocate for, good urban governance around the world, and to increase the capacity of local governments and other stakeholders to practice good governance in urban settings.

This is the second UN-HABITAT global report on Water and Sanitation in the World's Cities. This publication looks at small urban centres which tend to be overlooked, however theyaare the first tier markets and service providers for rural enterprise and development. Attaining the MDGs overall will depend to a large extent on how we can strengthen the prospects of local economic development and improve the living and working conditions of small towns and cities which, in turn, depend on access to clean water and improved sanitation. This publication has a pivotal role to play in global and local thinking on service provision, and a critical contribution to the road map to meeting the MDGs

A preliminary effort to identify whether, and to what extent, indigenous peoples enjoy the right to adequate housing in different regions of the world. Includes seven case studies on the status of housing for indigenous peoples – in practice and in law – and reviews policies and programmes aimed at addressing their disadvantage.

Includes a comprehensive set of recommendations on improving the housing and living conditions of indigenous peoples, and calls for further attention to be given to this critical human rights concern.