Every person deserves a place to call home – a safe space where life can begin again after crisis. Yet for millions forced to flee by conflict, disaster, and climate change, that basic human right remains out of reach.
This Human Rights Day, we reaffirm that shelter is a right that underpins dignity, safety, and recovery.
Displacement and human rights
By the end of 2024, more than 123 million people worldwide were forced to leave their homes. Of these, 83 million remained within their own countries – families and communities uprooted through no fault of their own.
Behind every number is a person trying to rebuild their life. Restoring shelter is about restoring the right to live with safety, privacy, and self-determination.
Shelter is the foundations for life
Adequate housing is recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as part of the right to an adequate standard of living. It’s more than four walls, or a temporary place to sleep – it’s where people can protect their families, make choices, and regain independence.
When families lose their homes, they lose more than shelter. They lose stability, security, and hope.
Human rights in action
We work alongside our local partners to make the right to shelter a reality for people displaced by conflict and disaster – from flooding in Bangladesh to drought and conflict in Somalia.
- In Somalia, durable mudbrick homes with raised bases and corrugated roofs help families stay safe through harsh weather.
- In Bangladesh, raised plinth shelters protect against seasonal floods while local builders are trained in resilient construction.
- In Chad and Mozambique, traditional techniques reduce environmental impact while keeping homes cool and secure.
Wherever we work, the principle is the same: safe, dignified, and resilient shelter for all.
A home for everyone: Fatima’s story
In Ethiopia’s Afar region, where drought and conflict have uprooted thousands, Fatima Ali and her six children lost everything. Once a nomadic farmer with livestock and a stable life, she watched the land dry up and her animals die.
“In the past, when it rained, the earth would produce plants for the animals. But now, even with rain, the earth does not grow enough food,” she said.
Fatima and her family were displaced twice in search of water – first by drought, then by floods. When they arrived at their new site, they had nothing.
“Before, we spent nights in an open area without a mosquito net… The support has truly been beneficial. Now I have a house that always provides safety.”
Through our partnership with IOM, we supported Fatima and over 7,000 displaced households with emergency shelter and essential items – from tarpaulins and tools to solar lights, jerry cans, and kitchen sets that help restore normality and community life.
Because Fatima lives with a vision impairment, her aid package was adapted to meet her needs: a mattress for added comfort and smaller jerry cans that are easier to carry.
Fatima’s new home, built with the help of neighbours and local materials, offers security, shade, and a place for her family to gather and sleep safely.
“The support was helpful and resolved our issues. Now I have a house that always provides safety.”
More than shelter
Home is where families come together – often around food and shared moments. That’s why our aid can also include essential household items that help restore comfort and normality:
- Blankets and clothing protect from the cold.
- Solar lights bring safety and independence after dark.
- Kitchen sets help families cook and gather together – a simple act that restores community and connection.
- Water filters and carriers uphold the right to health.
- Sanitary products protect dignity for women and girls.
Each item supports basic human rights: health, safety, privacy, and dignity.
You can purchase items like the above to support people, shop our global gifts catalogue here.
Securing the right to remain
In Somalia, uncertain land rights make it hard for displaced families to feel settled. Working with partners and local authorities, ShelterBox has helped secure long-term land use rights – this is up to 15 years in some areas. This helps give families the confidence that their homes are truly theirs and allows them time to restart aspects of life like schooling and livelihoods, without fear of eviction.
Our three-year partnership with Juba Foundation, launched in 2024 will reach more than 75,000 displaced people, providing emergency shelter, durable homes, and training that supports families.
Why shelter matters
Shelter is the cornerstone of human rights. Without a safe place to call home, other rights – like access to education, work, safety, and privacy – remain out of reach.
A secure shelter offers families stability, a space to be together, and a sense of comfort during times of crisis. It’s where recovery begins, and where hope can grow.
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The heading image features recent aid distributions in Ethiopia.
