Beyond Shelter: A Comparative Study on the Right to Independent Living and De-institutionalization through the Lens of Fair Housing and the SDGs†

This study investigates how the right to housing choice facilitates de-institutionalization and social justice for persons with disabilities through the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within international human rights discourse, housing is defined not merely as physical shelter but as a fundamental right encompassing dignity, safety, and the ability to live in peace. The analysis identifies a critical paradigm shift from the medical model of disability toward a social model that emphasizes the removal of societal barriers. Using a comparative methodology, the research evaluates international norms and case studies from the United States and the European Union against South Korea’s domestic policies. It specifically analyzes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) to identify normative and fairness gaps within the current administrative framework.Analysis reveals a significant fair housing gap in South Korea, where a discretionary welfare model persists instead of a mandatory rights-based Housing First approach. Domestic structures often rely on a linear care model, whereas international precedents favor immediate community integration. Furthermore, spatial stratification and socio-spatial inequalities exacerbate the exclusion of disadvantaged groups from essential economic and service facilities. These barriers are complicated by the NIMBY phenomenon, where social connections among neighbors can paradoxically increase resistance to inclusive neighborhood planning. The paper advocates for a mandatory integration mandate and individualized funding to ensure substantive autonomy and community inclusion. It proposes developing multi-centric urban structures to decentralize services and improve accessibility across regions.