CSCNR Distributes Land Registration Documents to Vulnerable Families in Unity State

South Sudan Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR), in collaboration with the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and supported by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), has distributed 30 land registration documents to conflict-affected households in Bentiu, Unity State.

These documents, which formally establish land ownership, were awarded to widows, orphans, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and war returnees who lost property during the civil conflict of 2013.

“This is a long-overdue step in restoring rights for those who lost everything during the war,” said Gizam Moses, Programme Officer at CSCNR. “Legal access to land is fundamental for rebuilding lives. It also plays a crucial role in preventing land grabbing and other forms of exploitation.”

The handover ceremony was attended by state officials, members of parliament, faith-based organizations, civil society actors, and community representatives.

Among the beneficiaries was Mrs. Nyeawujume Puok Bol, who expressed both gratitude and frustration.

“We appreciate CSCNR and partners for helping us retrieve our land papers, but we need the government to do more,” she said. “Without proper shelter, land alone is not enough. We need support to rebuild. Many officials tend to favor the wealthy, while the vulnerable are ignored.”

She also called on the humanitarian community for assistance with construction materials and support services.

Members of the Unity State Legislative Assembly Urge Fair Land Policies

During the event, legislators emphasized the importance of equitable land policies to protect vulnerable populations.

“The government must ensure fairness in land distribution. The constitution states that all human beings are equal. Widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities must not be sidelined.”

“Many cases show land allocated to vulnerable groups is often seized by powerful individuals. Victims are forced into costly legal battles. We need to address this loophole.”

CSCNR stated that this land document handover is part of a broader campaign to secure land and property rights for South Sudan’s most affected populations. The coalition has identified thousands of vulnerable individuals nationwide who require formal land titles.

The organization advocates for a coordinated, systematic approach involving government agencies, civil society, and international donors to safeguard land rights and facilitate community resettlement in conflict-affected and displaced areas.

“As South Sudan moves toward peace and development, land justice must be at the forefront of rebuilding efforts,” CSCNR emphasized.

Unity State, especially Bentiu, hosts a large number of returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been unable to reclaim their original homes or obtain legal titles for new plots. The absence of formal documentation has left many vulnerable to land disputes, forced evictions, and ongoing instability.

The CSCNR initiative is viewed as a vital step toward correcting past injustices and empowering communities with the legal tools necessary to secure their livelihoods and future stability.