Rule of Law Clinics on Land Rights: People-Centred Justice for Fair and Sustainable Investments

As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing people-centred justice, the Team Europe Democracy (TED) Rule of Law Working Group has hosted a series of thematic ‘clinics’ to foster practical exchange and strengthen programming among EU and partner organisations. Following previous sessions on the role of data and evidence in justice programming, and on customary and informal justice systems, this latest block of clinics turned to a pressing sectoral issue: land rights.

Why land? Because land-related justice problems – such as tenure insecurity, forced evictions, or unresolved disputes – remain among the most widespread legal needs globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. At the same time, secure land tenure is critical for sustainable development, social inclusion, and fair investment – core priorities under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the 360 Degree Approach.

Clinic 1: Data and Evidence for Land Justice (5 June 2025)

The first session, organised in cooperation with The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), explored how data and evidence can support more just and inclusive land governance. Discussions highlighted the need for people-centred data to identify legal needs, understand lived experiences, and increase accountability in land-based investments. Experts from the International Land Coalition, GIGA/Land Matrix, and HiiL underscored that data is essential for detecting risks, informing decision-making, and ensuring that land rights are not only legally recognised but meaningfully protected – especially in the context of infrastructure investments.

Please find the detailed meeting report and the presentation attached.

Clinic 2: Civic Participation in Land Governance (12 June 2025)

The second session, co-organised with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), focused on civic participation as a cornerstone of sustainable land governance. Drawing on case studies from Mongolia, Nepal, and Indonesia, speakers demonstrated how Indigenous communities, herders, and civil society actors are engaging in legal action, advocacy, and monitoring to protect their rights and shape investment processes. The examples showed that inclusive decision-making and participation are not just normative goals – they are strategic foundations for equitable, long-term development.

Please find the detailed meeting report and the presentation attached.

Across both clinics, a clear message emerged: land rights are not only legal matters, but deeply connected to development, human rights, and investment agendas. Strengthening land governance requires a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach – rooted in transparency, participation, and people-centred justice. Both sessions were well attended and colleagues appreciated that the clinics brought together diverse perspectives including those from TED's Working Group 2 on Political and Civic Participation.

This post will be updated with a practical guide, including further resources, links, and information on people-centred justice in the land rights ecosystem.