Preparing the Ground for Property Restitution in the Syrian Arab Republic
Laura Cunial, Kirstie Farmer, Rachel Sider
Given the sheer scale of displacement and destruction, an eventual, sustainable return to and across Syria will only be possible if returnees are able to integrate at a location of their choice, where physical security, access to livelihoods and basic services have been restored and where, importantly, housing, land and property (HLP) restitution processes have been established. The millions who eventually choose to return will face housing shortages, disputes over ownership and usage rights, the emergence of conflicts related to a significant reduction in usable land and the lack of HLP documentation. Based on extensive research and interviews with over 2000 Syrian internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees, this paper provides recommendations to policymakers and practitioners on how to prepare for the immense challenges that lie ahead. It explains the need for clear mechanisms for property restitution and compensation that include particular measures to support claims from displaced women.
Event: Land Governance in an Interconnected World_Annual World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty_2018
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