The article discusses the critical HLP issues in Central Sahel, where property rights violations contribute to forced displacement. In 2024, communities reported significant needs for shelter among displaced persons, evidencing increased demand for housing solutions. HLP challenges, exacerbated by competing land norms, necessitate coordinated humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding interventions.
In Central Sahel, specifically Burkina Faso, Mali, and Western Niger, housing, land, and property (HLP) issues significantly contribute to forced displacement. In 2024, two out of five reported protection incidents involved violations of property rights, exacerbating tensions among communities. HLP challenges often manifest as extortion, theft, and destruction, which compel families to flee. Consequently, forcibly displaced populations reported a heightened demand for shelter compared to host communities.
As the influx of displaced individuals into semi-urban areas increases, existing HLP challenges become more pronounced, leading to greater tenure insecurity and potential forced evictions. Competing customary and legal norms complicate access to land, making effective land management a vital component of any supportive measures. Secure land access is essential for establishing shelters and income-generating agricultural activities.
Despite these challenges, approximately 65% of land access in Central Sahel relies on donations, which reflects the ongoing reliance on humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, communities indicated that HLP factors positively influenced their decisions to return voluntarily or integrate within local populations. Thus, addressing HLP issues requires a collaborative approach between humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts to effectively tackle interlinked land rights and infrastructural needs.
The report on HLP issues in the Central Sahel underscores the critical nature of addressing housing, land, and property rights in mitigating forced displacement. With numerous community incidents highlighting property violations, it becomes evident that collaborative strategies involving various practitioners are essential. Overall, prioritizing secure land access and mindful management is imperative in providing effective solutions to the ongoing challenges faced by displaced populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
