Informal settlements: Living in cramped conditions in temporary accommodation
In 2050, seven out of a total of ten billion people will live in cities. In Asia and Africa in particular, more and more people are living in cities. For many, this means living in insecurity in self-built, makeshift accommodation and in cramped conditions. The inhabitants of informal settlements often have to make do without clean water from the tap, flush toilets and electric light in their homes. Even a visit to the doctor, going to school or a trip to the city park are usually unaffordable luxuries for them.
The constant threat of eviction
The difficult living situation in the informal settlements is often made even more difficult by politics and city administrations. Informal dwellers rarely receive an official right to stay and the corresponding papers. As a result, they live in constant fear of eviction. In many cases, their homes are at risk of being demolished, including to make way for major projects such as motorways, luxury flats or, increasingly often, flood protection measures. Overall, informal dwellers remain largely excluded from political, social and economic participation.
Dr. Jacqueline Wingens
Fair urban development
- Telephone
- +49 241 442174
- jacqueline.wingens@misereor.de
Position paper on cities as a lever for socio-ecological transformation
The world is becoming increasingly urbanised. By 2050, two thirds of the world's population will…
The world is becoming increasingly urbanised. By 2050, two thirds of the world's population will probably live in cities. However, cities are particularly affected by the consequences of climate change. Inclusive, human rights-based and climate and environmentally friendly urban design can have a major "leverage effect" for socio-ecological transformation.
- Publisher: Misereor
- Year of publication: May 2024
- Number of pages: 37
The world is becoming increasingly urbanised. By 2050, two thirds of the world's population will probably live in cities. However, cities are particularly affected by the consequences of climate change. Inclusive, human rights-based and climate and environmentally friendly urban design can have a major "leverage effect" for socio-ecological transformation.
- Publisher: Misereor
- Year of publication: May 2024
- Number of pages: 37
Urban dreams - The city of tomorrow - ecologically and socially just
- Secondary level I
- Geography
Urban settlements only cover around two per cent of the earth's surface,…
- Secondary level I
- Geography
Urban settlements only cover around two per cent of the earth's surface, yet more than half of the world's population has been living in cities since 2008. By 2050, the United Nations estimates that this figure will rise to two thirds of all people. This rapid growth poses enormous ecological and social challenges for large cities and urban centres, especially in the Global South.
This "Urban dreams" material set addresses the questions "What can the "city of the future" look like?" and "How can urban structures be designed to be socially just, inclusive and sustainable - worldwide?". The set consists of the teaching material "A World of Cities", which takes a closer look at various aspects of the topic, and the suggestions for the project week "Design your city".
Individual materials for lessons or the project week can be downloaded separately: To the ZIP file.
- Publisher: Misereor
- Number of pages: 76
- Year of publication: 2023
- Secondary level I
- Geography
Urban settlements only cover around two per cent of the earth's surface, yet more than half of the world's population has been living in cities since 2008. By 2050, the United Nations estimates that this figure will rise to two thirds of all people. This rapid growth poses enormous ecological and social challenges for large cities and urban centres, especially in the Global South.
This "Urban dreams" material set addresses the questions "What can the "city of the future" look like?" and "How can urban structures be designed to be socially just, inclusive and sustainable - worldwide?". The set consists of the teaching material "A World of Cities", which takes a closer look at various aspects of the topic, and the suggestions for the project week "Design your city".
Individual materials for lessons or the project week can be downloaded separately: To the ZIP file.
- Publisher: Misereor
- Number of pages: 76
- Year of publication: 2023
Mobility for all: utilising opportunities - shaping the future
This paper takes a global look at the issue of mobility and calls for a change in favour of the…
This paper takes a global look at the issue of mobility and calls for a change in favour of the poorest population groups in the Global South.
After all, a mobility transition is the core element of the global socio-ecological transformation that enables a good life for all while respecting our planetary boundaries. The positive effects of the mobility transition can be achieved in particular if mobility is designed to be accessible, respects human rights and effectively recognises the interactions within the climate crisis.
- Publisher: Misereor
- Year of publication: February 2023
- Pages: 12
This paper takes a global look at the issue of mobility and calls for a change in favour of the poorest population groups in the Global South.
After all, a mobility transition is the core element of the global socio-ecological transformation that enables a good life for all while respecting our planetary boundaries. The positive effects of the mobility transition can be achieved in particular if mobility is designed to be accessible, respects human rights and effectively recognises the interactions within the climate crisis.
- Publisher: Misereor
- Year of publication: February 2023
- Pages: 12
