People-centred Land Governance for Peace, Security and Stability: Exploring Rule of Law Solutions

In its report People‑Centred Land Governance for Peace, Security and Stability, IDLO highlights how the rule of law can reinforce a people‑centred approach to land governance that fosters growth and sustains peace. Drawing on international best practices and insights from IDLO’s own programme experience, the brief identifies key rule of law entry points for people‑centred land governance that promote economic opportunity and long‑term stability. These include: legal empowerment, women’s land rights, legal and policy reform, strengthening justice institutions, engaging with legal pluralism, participatory governance, and digitisation, data management and access to information.

The report addresses several pressing issues, such as the lack of reliable data to understand and improve land use, which hinders inclusive land governance; the impact of environmental degradation and population displacement, which restrict access to land for the most vulnerable groups and fuel conflict and food insecurity. It also emphasises the role of key stakeholders, such as pastoralists and smallholders, who are often overlooked by policymakers.

Finally, the report sets out a series of recommendations, including legally empowering those most affected, enhancing access to justice, and engaging with legal pluralism, including informal justice systems.

We encourage you to explore how land rights should be addressed through a holistic approach in order to sustain growth and peace.