The United Nations has weighed in on the public housing debate in New Orleans, coming down squarely on the side of displaced residents.

Two independent experts, working with the U.N. Humans Rights Commission report that the demolition of public housing in the city is effectively denying the right of return to minorities.

''Whether or not the demolitions were intentionally discriminatory, 'the lack of consultation with those affected and the disproportionate impact on poorer and predominantly African-American residents and former residents would result in the denial of internationally recognized human rights,''' their report said.

Read the release from the United Nations and a report from the Associated Press.