The World Urban Forum III gives us the opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the world community as it grapples with the global housing and living conditions crisis. These challenges also need to be tackled in the context of realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which should serve to focus worldwide efforts in overcoming the critical deficiencies in global development, and should be fully based on human rights principles and commitments. The attempt to improve living conditions for some, for example through slum-upgrading projects, must not lead to the violation of human rights of others, such as through forced evictions. Thus, the process followed to achieve the MDGs is as important as the agreed targets and as Special Rapporteur on adequate housing I urge that the principles of non-discrimination, progressive realization, and indivisibility of human rights frame efforts to achieve the MDGs.