Strengthening Land Rights of Ethnic Minorities

Land right related issues often have a higher impact on lives of ethnic minorities as their livelihood depends on land and forest resources, while oftentimes they are being deprived of their voices. Large-scale land expropriation for hydropower development and private investments in the upland areas have often been accompanied by forced resettlement and inadequate compensation, making the already disadvantaged even poorer.

That is why Helvetas Germany and its partner Land Alliance (LANDA), of which the Center for Rural Communities Research and Development (CCRD) serves as LANDA’s coordinating organization, have jointly developed this project to support vulnerable ethnic minorities, particularly vulnerable women, to claim their land-and forest resource related rights in northern provinces of Vietnam.

Through the development of a hands-on ‘Land Right Toolkit’ and various capacity building measures, the project provides the target groups with structured and understandable information and tools on land right related issues. An e-platform will serve as a place where users can find examples of ways to resolve land conflicts, share information and seek advice from LANDA members. With this the target groups will become more self-reliant and confident to resolve land and forest disputes and to defend themselves against discriminatory actions.

Furthermore, the project sets its goal in enabling a viably interactive multi-stakeholder network of civil society, local communities, academia, media, private sector, lawyers, local government officials and policy-makers. Civil Society Organizations' capacity to resolve the land right-related conflicts, policy analysis and advocacy will be strengthened to raise their position, reputation and recognition in the public domain.

Although the law recognizes the equality of land rights to all, a significant gender gap in access to land and forest user rights persists since it is more often the male household members than women who are registered on the certificates of landownership in rural areas. Women belonging to ethnic minority groups are specifically vulnerable to violations of their rights. That is why, in all activities, LANDA and Helvetas will be particularly attentive to the needs of ethnic minority women.

As a result of L4A, not only the recognition of land and forest resource rights will be fostered, but also local rights will be protected and best practices on sustainable forest management in mountainous areas will be exchanged and facilitated.

The project is cofunded by the European Union.