Property Issues in Displacement and Conflict Resolution

Abstract

Property plays an important role in the
decisions made by refugees and displaced
persons regarding durable solutions
for them and their families. In
particular, it will affect their decision
whether to return to their homes. Understanding
property rights in this context
is imperative, especially for
agencies involved in post-conflict rehabilitation.
This paper sets out the context
by outlining various legal and
practical considerations. It then looks at
specific initiatives in Mozambique,
Bosnia and Nicaragua. For a variety of
reasons, there is a move towards "non
formal" resolution of property disputes,
in particular the use of alternative dispute
resolution mechanisms. These are
considered, and seven points of comment
and conclusion then follow.