Established in 1982, The National Youth Coalition of Housing (NYCH) is one of three founding members of Homelessness Australia
Known previously as the Australian Federation of Homelessness Organistions (AFHO).
NYCH focuses on youth homelessness and housing issues, and represents the nine State/Territory Youth Housing and SAAP sectors. The NYCH Constitutions outlines the objectives of the coalition as:
To provide a national forum for non-government organisations concerned with the provision of co-ordination of, and activities related to youth housing at State and Territory levels:
To make representation to, where appropriate , co-operate with governments and other relevant organisations at Local, State, Federal and International; levels in the pursuit of these objects:
To co-ordinate action around the issues of youth and housing, and other related issues:
To undertake research related to youth housing to faciliatate the development of a national youth housing policy The UN Committee charged with the implementation of the ICESCR has issued two General Comments that further define the right to adequate housing.
These general Comments are the most authoritative interpretations of this right and they are legally binding. Firstly, General Comment #4 was adopted unanimously in December 1991. It notes that the notion of housing should not be limited to the idea of shelter, but rather understood to mean ' the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity'. It sets out seven aspects of the notion of adequacy that should be taken into account including: security of tenure: affordability: habitability: location and accessibility.
Australia has ratified all of the major human rights treaties, including Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ICESCR. However, this had very limited impact on legislation.

CHARTER OF RIGHTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

This charter of rights for young people was developed by the National Youth Coalition for Housing in the 1990s and while some of the language could be updated, it still continues to be clear articulation of YAA's over arching policy and principles for a rights based perspectives for young people.
The National Youth Coalition for Housing supports the right of all young people to:
Safe, secure, affordable, adequate housing appropriate to the needs of the young person.
Secure, independent income of a level adequate enough to support them at a reasonable living standard.
An environment free from the threat of physical; emotional; or sexual abuse and harassment.
Resources, services and information, which support and encourage their independence and self-determination.
Relevant and accessible service including health care, financial assistance , counseling or support services, childcare and transport.
Participation in design and management of programmes or projects directed at young people.
Services and programmes relevant and responsive to different cultural backgrounds.
Reclamation of, or compensation for, traditional lands for Aboriginal communities
Equal opportunity and affirmative action policies and practices which recognise the discrimination faced by young people on the basis of their race, sex, cultural background, disability, class or sexual preference.
Secure paid employment opportunities at wage levels equivalent to adult workers performing similar duties.
Free education and participation in education management and curriculum design
Non-exploitative and relevant non-compulsory vocational training programmes and opportunities.
Information and support services on issues of concern to the young person including incest, addictions, health, and legal rights.
Freedom from the threat of state intervention or incarceration for non-criminal offences.