Right to the city – not for everyone? The dark side of growing agency of cities

Agnieszka Szpak

European Planning Studies, 2025, vol. 33, issue 9, 1623-1642

Abstract: In recent years, cities have gained growing prominence in the field of human rights, often seen as progressive actors advancing global norms at the local level. As the tier of governance closest to citizens, municipalities are increasingly responsible for implementing the obligations of international human rights. However, this growing agency also raises concerns. Cities, while largely positive actors, can also contribute to violations of rights-as illustrated by the so-called 'LGBT-free zones' declared by some Polish municipalities. The goal of this paper is to critically examine the potential negative consequences of cities' expanding role in the governance of human rights and to challenge the dominant narrative that sees cities solely as protectors of rights. The paper addresses two key research questions: (1) What risks are associated with the growing agency and autonomy of cities? and (2) What are the normative limits of municipal action in the domain of human rights? The theoretical framework draws on the concepts of the right to the city and spatial justice, offering tools to assess how urban governance can both support and hinder equitable access, participation and redistribution. This perspective helps frame cities not just as implementers of rights, but as contested spaces capable of both inclusion and exclusion.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2025.2517749

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