Safe, secure and affordable housing must be made a human right in law to ensure that the Government is held accountable for addressing homelessness in Bermuda.

The right to housing is the economic, social and cultural right to adequate housing and shelter. The right to housing is defined under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognises the right to housing as part of the right to an adequate standard of living: “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing”.

The right to housing is more than four walls and a roof; it is the right to live in security, peace and dignity in one’s own home.

Homelessness, therefore, is a violation of human dignity and international human rights law. In addition, homelessness has devastating consequences on individuals experiencing it, as well as on the economy, public health and society. According to the charity Home, about 650 persons in Bermuda were estimated to be experiencing homelessness as of November 2022 which represents more than 1 per cent of Bermuda’s population. Each of these numbers is a person with a name, face, identity and story to tell. In a small country such as Bermuda, many will be persons we know, including family and friends. Homelessness is a problem that affects all of us, whether we experience it or not.

Moreover, homelessness can be a dangerous, isolating and painful experience. It creates social barriers, stigma and prejudice against certain persons in society, breaks apart communities and families, and creates social division. Those experiencing homelessness are more vulnerable to disease, alcohol and drug abuse, and mental health issues. Experiencing homelessness can be detrimental to one’s own physical and mental health, makes one more vulnerable to violence, contributes to higher rates of poverty, and lowers life expectancy.

Homelessness additionally threatens individual freedom and liberty, as those experiencing homelessness are excluded from all places governed by private-property rules and laws. They are subject to penalties for trespass and would be liable to forced eviction. In essence, the privatisation of sleeping, washing and cooking areas represents a barrier to personal freedom because those experiencing homelessness have no place to sleep, wash, cook or attend to their basic human needs. Without evidence of rent, homeownership, utility bill or home address, those experiencing homelessness are prevented from voting, opening a bank account or securing employment. Consequently, they are excluded from fully participating in society as free and equal citizens.

In addition, persons experiencing homelessness are more likely to avail themselves to public health services, which puts more strain on the health sector and the hospital. This is a misuse of public funds, human talent and resources, as many persons experiencing homelessness have ample experiences and skills to share but are prevented from accessing employment because of the prejudice and stigma of being regarded as “homeless”.

Guaranteeing the right to housing therefore offers those experiencing homelessness protection from disease, hunger, danger, violence, inclement weather, loneliness, shame and the sort of despair that can come from being unable to house oneself, one’s child or one’s family. The right to housing further helps protect people whose housing situation has a serious negative impact on their health — such as those who are living in inadequate housing conditions, severely overcrowded housing, or who are suffering from domestic abuse.

Further, the right to housing provides support for other human rights: the right to food and health — by providing a place to cook, eat, sleep and bathe. The right to housing also provides support for political and civil rights, such as the right to vote and employment, and allows individuals to fully participate in society as free and equal citizens.

The right to housing is additionally one of the most fundamental rights for the development of every human being. For many, home is an essential space for the realisation of social ties. Psychologists point out that housing is a key component in the proper functioning of the family. Bermuda Is Love considers homelessness and unacceptable housing conditions as one of the primary factors limiting the proper functioning of the family. Housing rights are therefore fundamental to protect children and families, and give them the appropriate space to grow and thrive.

Bermuda Is Love believes that housing should be made accessible to everyone. The right to housing should be treated as a priority and incorporated into law, similar to free public education, because it protects people from poverty, disease and homelessness. While Bermuda’s Human Rights Act protects against discrimination and our Constitution Order ensures political and civil rights, social and economic rights such as the right to housing, food, clothing, healthcare and education are absent from our law. This is not just Bermuda failing to meet its international obligations, it is Bermuda failing to treat all of its people with dignity and respect.

Bermuda Is Love believes in #Housing4All. This will require reforming our tax system and introducing a comprehensive wealth-redistribution programme as the solution to the realisation of #Housing4All. Housing and education rights must be understood as intrinsically linked to each other and to the proper functioning of society. Thus, we must create an economy that is based around community responsibility and social justice that ensures #Housing4All as a human right. For Bermuda, the long-term economic and social benefits will be the end of homelessness, the reduction of poverty, greater support for the family, and the flourishing of Bermudian society.

Ultimately, the actions that lead to homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, economic inequality, poverty and systemic racism are compounded by a lack of will to recognise and address homelessness as a human rights violation. Fulfilling the right to housing not only requires changes in policy, but a cultural shift in the attitude towards homelessness itself in Bermuda. It requires increased investment, support, desire and commitment from all of us to end homelessness. In a country as affluent as Bermuda, we have the necessary resources to realise the right to #Housing4All, and we should not tolerate anything less.

No longer should people be forced to choose between eating and paying rent. No longer should a family of five live in a one-bedroom apartment. No longer should society turn its back on those unable to pay their rent. Human rights are meant to ensure freedom and liberty so that everyone is free to accomplish their own wants and desires, and make a meaningful contribution to society. However, those experiencing homelessness are not free. They are not able to fully participate in society as free and equal citizens.

Taking human rights seriously means paying attention to the needs of others. It means empathising with others, and giving to those who have nothing for the betterment of all. It means creating a Bermuda where we are all free to thrive and flourish, and become the best versions of ourselves. This is our responsibility to others as Bermudians and as human beings.

• Aaron Crichlow is the cofounder of Bermuda is Love