(JUBA) – A three day workshop on land management has concluded in Juba with stakeholders agreeing on action plans to address land disputes, tenure insecurity and limited access to land services for displaced and conflict affected communities across South Sudan.
The International Organization for Migration, supported by the European Union and in coordination with the National Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development and the National South Sudan Land Commission, convened the National, State and County Land Management Enhancement Workshop from 20 to 22 April. The forum brought together 42 participants from government institutions at national, state and county levels, plus development partners.
Discussions focused on land governance challenges facing the country. Participants said land disputes, tenure insecurity and poor access to land services are increasingly affecting vulnerable groups, particularly internally displaced persons, returnees and women, against a backdrop of protracted conflict, displacement and rapid urbanisation.
“Land should never be a source of conflict. It should be a foundation for peace, dignity and opportunity for every community,” said Vijaya Souri, IOM Chief of Mission in South Sudan. “Strengthening land management is essential not only for addressing disputes but also for supporting durable solutions to displacement and long term stability.”
During the workshop, stakeholders held talks on land administration, allocation, dispute resolution and coordination mechanisms across all levels of government. The forum allowed participants to share experiences and identify practical ways to strengthen land systems and service delivery.
Participants reached a shared understanding of key institutional, legal and technical gaps affecting land governance. They stressed the need for better coordination between statutory and customary land systems, clearer institutional mandates and stronger technical capacity at both national and sub-national levels.
Stakeholders also said inclusive and conflict sensitive approaches are important, with particular attention to ensuring equitable access to land services for displaced populations.