As acknowledged by agenda 21 and the Oslo ministerial round-table on consumption and production patterns, the northern industrialized countries have a particular responsibility in addressing their overconsumption of resources and overproduction of wastes, so that this behaviour is not embraced as indicators of progress. More people than ever are living in absolute poverty and without adequate shelter. Inadequate shelter and homelessness are growing plights in many countries, threatening standards of health, security and even life itself. In shelter and urban development and management policies, particular attention should be given to the needs and participation of indigenous people. Special attention must be paid to shelter needs of vulnerable children, such as street children, refugee children and children who are victims of sexual exploitation.
Women have an important role to play in the attainment of sustainable human settlements.
The empowerment of women and their full and equal participation in political, social and economic life, the improvement of health, and the alleviation eradication of poverty are essential to achieving sustainable human settlements. Although many countries, particularly developing countries, lack legal, institutional, financial, technological and human resources to respond adequately to rapid urbanization, many local authorities are taking on these challenges with open, accountable and effective leadership and are eager to bring people into the sustainable development process. Enabling structures that facilitate independent initiative and creativity, and that encourage the wide range of partnerships, including with the private sector, within and between countries, should be promoted. Indeed, the Habitat Agenda provides a framework to enable people to take responsibility for the promotion and creation of sustainable human settlements. There are critical differences regarding human settlements in different regions and countries and within countries.