A/HRC/15/55* food prices have also slowed the country’s progress in reducing poverty in recent years. The latest United Nations statistics report that about one fifth of the population in Bangladesh still does not have access to an improved water source, and half the population lacks access to an improved sanitation facility.16 A. Regional disparities 35. Poverty is not equally distributed across the country. While the eastern part (in particular Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet) has achieved a reduction in poverty levels, the western region has witnessed more limited progress. In 2005, the rural poverty rate was still more than one and a half times the urban rate.17 The problems associated with sanitation and safe drinking water also vary, depending on the region. For instance, in 1990, only 34 per cent of the rural population had access to improved sanitation facilities, whereas access for the urban population had reached nearly 60 per cent. Considerable efforts were devoted to rural sanitation, with access increasing to 52 per cent of the population; in the meantime, however, access to improved sanitation in urban areas stagnates. 36. As a result of regional disparities, development programmes have traditionally focused on reducing rural poverty, addressing emergencies and improving infrastructure to improve the economic environment. These efforts must continue, because rural poverty remains a serious problem. B. Urbanization 37. The intense process of urbanization has led to a rapid increase, in absolute terms, of the poor population in urban areas, especially in urban slums. Limited urban planning, the insufficient capacity of social services and the absence of basic infrastructure, including water and sanitation services, seriously affect the standard of living in slums. The lack of legal tenure for slum dwellers poses particular challenges to the enjoyment of their human rights. The experts were particularly concerned about information received on forced evictions carried out in the country. According to the Government and Local Authority Lands and Buildings (Recovery of Possession) Ordinance, only seven days notice is required before an eviction can be carried out, irrespective of the duration of occupation. The experts recall that forced evictions are contrary to the obligations imposed by human rights law. Before any eviction, the State must explore all feasible alternatives in consultation with the affected persons. Evictions must not result in individuals being rendered homeless or vulnerable to other human rights violations. 38. The problems of people living in poverty in urban areas, including their lack of access to water and sanitation, have received limited attention. Urbanization in Bangladesh is irreversible, and additional efforts must be made to respond to the needs of the rapidly increasing urban population living in extreme poverty. The experts welcome the Government’s recognition of the problems associated with “unplanned urbanization”, including “a lack of concern for the urban poor and slum dwellers” in its poverty reduction strategy paper. In addressing these crucial issues, the experts urge the Government to adopt a comprehensive urban strategy, with special attention paid to vulnerable groups and full regard for human rights. 16 17 10 UNICEF and the World Health Organization, “Progress on sanitation and drinking water”, 2010 update, p. 39. World Bank, “Poverty assessment for Bangladesh, op. cit., p. XVI. GE.10-15451