Former UN human rights advocate and Olympic Games housing critic to speak at UBC

Event:      Richard B. Splane Lecture on Social Policy

Date:       Thursday, Nov. 26, 5:30 p.m.

Location:   Liu Institute for Global Issues

6476 NW Marine Dr., Vancouver

For a map, visit: www.maps.ubc.ca?496

Miloon Kothari, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing and an outspoken critic of the impact of the Olympic Games on the poor, will speak at UBC on Thursday, Nov. 26.

Kothari has argued mega-events such as the Olympic Games lead to evictions and the gentrification of neighbourhoods – not just for the poor, but for the middle class as well.

He has previously called on the Canadian government to recognize the right to housing in all federal and provincial legislations, and to amend human rights legislation to include economic, social and cultural rights. In a 2007 report to the UN General Assembly, Kothari identified Canada as the only developed country without a national housing policy.

To arrange an interview with Miloon Kothari, please contact Patsy George at 604.687.7115.