Civil society group provides land documents to displaced residents in South Sudan
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
The Coalition of Civil Society on Natural Resources handed over 30 land registration documents to vulnerable residents in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
The group worked with Norwegian People’s Aid and state authorities to provide these papers to people who lost their documentation during displacement and conflict. The coalition specifically targeted widows, orphans, older people, internally displaced people, returnees, and people with disabilities.
Charles Judo, the chairperson of the coalition, stated that the initiative aims to improve land tenure security and prevent disputes in communities affected by years of conflict. The program also included an awareness campaign to educate residents about legal rights and land ownership. Chukwan Philip from the Ministry of Roads, Bridges and Physical Infrastructure explained that the Land Act 2009 governs land acquisition and recognizes customary, freehold, and leasehold tenure.
He noted that the law includes provisions for the restitution of land rights lost through involuntary displacement from the civil war that began in 1983. Residents who participated in the awareness session requested that the ministry reduce registration fees to help more people formalize their land ownership. One beneficiary, Martin John, noted that a lack of funds still prevents people from building permanent homes on their plots.
Participants also suggested that organizations provide surveying equipment and help clear roads in the Luakat area to improve security.
