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Increased urban migration in eastern Europe prompts UN shelter agency to open office

Increased urban migration in eastern Europe prompts UN shelter agency to open office

The United Nations agency charged with promoting socially and environmentally sustainable housing has opened an office in Warsaw, the Polish capital, to serve central and eastern Europe as the region deals with the urban poverty that has followed rising migration from rural areas to towns and cities.

The UN Human Settlements Programme, known as UN-HABITAT, formally opened the office on Monday night in an event that coincided with World Habitat Day and was attended by representatives of the UN, Polish Government officials, diplomats and civil society groups.

UN-HABITAT said in a press statement that the new office will help the region’s countries manage and coordinate their efforts to tackle urban poverty and the lack of adequate housing in many towns and cities.