Private property and human rights: A mismatch in the 21st century?

This article explores the future of private property in land in the context of the United Nations' (UN) human rights framework. I examine the historical and current debate, and show why it is difficult to come to a definitive conclusion on a matter that has been so central to social and political philosophy. Among the questions that frame this investigation is the relevance of 18th century property-related human rights concepts in the 21st century, where the poor are increasingly residents of informal settlements in mega-cities. I critically assess the wording and adoption of Article 17 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I further examine the formal actions of the UN to demonstrate the confusion that exists about the role of private property. Then, I argue that private property is a human right, but this does not mean that it will take the form that it does in Western societies.