In 2024, HLP issues significantly contributed to intercommunity tensions and were a major cause of forced displacement in the Central Sahel. Forcibly displaced persons indicated double the shelter needs compared to host communities. HLP challenges necessitate secure land access, and notable collaboration among humanitarian, development, and peace sectors is essential for sustainable solutions.
In 2024, two-fifths of protection incidents reported monthly by communities indicated violations related to the right to property. Additionally, two-fifths of respondents identified housing, land, and property (HLP) issues as a significant cause of intercommunity tensions. Conflict-induced HLP issues encompass extortion, theft, looting, destruction, and seizure of personal property, posing a severe threat to civilians in the Central Sahel. These incidents frequently compel families to flee their homes and countries, exacerbating displacement-related risks.
Data from 2024 reveals that forcibly displaced individuals reported shelter needs that are double those of host communities. Moreover, half of both displaced and host communities identified construction or rehabilitation efforts as their primary housing requirement, indicating the structural dimensions of HLP challenges in the region. Forced displacement intensifies existing HLP issues and challenges surrounding tenure security, with risks of forced evictions heightened in areas governed by conflicting customary and legal norms.
Land management is critical for providing impactful assistance, as the establishment of shelters or agricultural activities necessitates secure access to land. Furthermore, data indicates that donations are the predominant means of acquiring land, comprising 65% of access modalities in the Central Sahel. Communities have also noted that favorable HLP conditions positively influence their willingness to voluntarily return to or integrate with local host communities.
Given the intersection of land rights, emergency housing needs, infrastructural gaps, and peacebuilding efforts, addressing HLP issues demands enhanced collaboration among humanitarian, development, and peace practitioners. This cooperation is essential for creating sustainable solutions to forced displacement and for improving the overall living conditions in the Central Sahel.
In summary, HLP issues in the Central Sahel play a crucial role in forcing displacement and exacerbating existing tensions among communities. With significant shelter needs among forcibly displaced persons compared to host communities, effective land management and collaborative strategies are necessary to address these challenges. The predominant reliance on donations for land access further underscores the urgency of enhancing cooperation among various sectors to foster lasting solutions in this vulnerable region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
