The U.N. has adopted global guidelines to defend the land rights of poor farmers and recognise informal indigenous claims. Because these proposals are guidelines, they will act as voluntary rules.
Background
The rights groups have previously alleged that rich investors and the governments of the developing countries have forcibly or deceptively acquired land from the poor people. This has led to massive displacement and large scale violation of human rights. Subsequent to these allegations, three years of negotiations took place to bring in place these guidelines.
The key proposals
- Private companies to be transparent in the matters of land acquisitions
- Private companies to consult local populations
- Recognition of customary tenure systems by indigenous populations
- Governments should ensure a fair valuation and prompt compensation for farmers
- Governments should expropriate only when the land is needed for a public purpose
- Governments to safeguard legitimate tenure rights against threats and infringements
- Governments to provide effective and accessible means to resolve tenure disputes
Importance
Protection of land rights of the poor,
Prevention of forcible eviction, displacement, loss of habitat and livelihood and gross violation of rights especially in poor countries,
Enhancing global food security by improving secure access to land, fisheries and forests
Comment,
The guidelines are an important step towards a more equitable and hunger-free world. The guidelines reaffirm the human rights of those living on the land and clearly underline the need for consultation and participation of communities affected by land investments. However, what remains for the world is an even greater task: implementation of the guidelines.
No comments:
Post a Comment