CSCNR Empowers Vulnerable Communities in Bentiu with Land Registration Support
In a significant step towards safeguarding land rights, the Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR) has successfully facilitated the recovery of land registration documents for 30 vulnerable community members in Bentiu. This initiative, themed “Land Rights are Human Rights,” highlights the coalition’s commitment to advocating for the land and property rights of marginalized groups in the region.
At a celebratory ceremony marking the event, CSCNR’s Programme Officer, Gizam Moses, expressed his enthusiasm for the coalition’s expanding efforts in lobbying and raising awareness about land rights among vulnerable populations. “The Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, as amended in 2011, and the Southern Sudan Land Act of 2009 stipulate that land belongs to the people, and its use is regulated by the government,” said Moses. He emphasized the serious violations of land and property rights faced by weaker segments of society, particularly in the context of land disputes that often escalate into violence.
“This campaign aims to educate the people about their legal rights to land and property ownership as enshrined in the constitution. We also want to ensure that all lands, including customary lands, are registered legally to protect these rights,” he added.
Moses called on state legislators, local media, and civil society organizations to strengthen awareness campaigns on land registration processes. He encouraged collaboration with partners in the Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) program to enhance the advocacy for land and property rights nationwide, expressing gratitude to the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) for its ongoing support.
Unity State Legislative Assembly member, Hon. Gathguong Mut Mayiel, commended CSCNR for its dedication to promoting community land and property rights, acknowledging their expanded support from 15 individuals last year to 30 this year. “We hope this growth continues, and that you will support at least 200 individuals this year,” he stated.
Hon. Mayiel criticized the pervasive mismanagement of land resources in Unity State, attributing issues such as land grabbing and illegal occupations to the executive branch’s negligence. He urged all stakeholders to respect land governance laws and protect the rights of the vulnerable.
War veteran Mama Nyajang Luonjour, representing women in the community, shared her joy in receiving her land document. “Without this support, I wouldn’t have anything to leave for my children,” she expressed. Nyajang called for further assistance to build shelters on their newly acquired plots, highlighting the urgent need for development following years of conflict.
Mr. Wilson Gatjual Baak, representing the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of the event, revealing a need for more support for thousands of vulnerable individuals listed in their database. He encouraged continued collaboration with partners to provide resources for building shelters on legally owned lands.
Sultan Chiok Peng Goah, representing the Traditional Authority, thanked the civil society groups for their efforts to uplift vulnerable community members. “We are truly in need; some of us have received documents but lack the capacity to build shelters. We appeal for assistance in this regard,” he stated.
As the campaign progresses, CSCNR remains dedicated to ensuring sustainable land governance and the protection of property rights for all citizens in South Sudan.
