A civil society coalition has handed over land registration documents to 30 vulnerable individuals in Bentiu, Unity State, as part of a campaign to strengthen land and property rights in the state.
The Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR) organized the event on Thursday under the theme: “Land Rights are Human Rights.” The initiative aims to ensure that residents understand their legal rights to land and property, and to protect those rights through official registration.
Speaking at the ceremony, CSCNR Programme Officer Moses Gizam highlighted the importance of land rights, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, widows, orphans, and people with disabilities. He noted that land disputes in Unity State have often turned violent, with weaker communities disproportionately affected.
“Land grabbing is at its peak, and disputes frequently escalate due to a failure to enforce the law,” Gizam said. He cited the Transitional Constitution of 2011 and the Southern Sudan Land Act of 2009, which state that land belongs to the people but is regulated by the government.
Gizam called on state legislators, media, and civil society organizations to raise awareness about land registration processes, including customary laws. He also urged partners in the Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) program to collaborate in promoting land rights across South Sudan.
The CSCNR acknowledged the support of the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), which has been instrumental in funding efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive governance of natural resources.
Impact of the Initiative
Unity State Legislative Assembly member Gathguong Mut Mayiel praised the CSCNR for its efforts, noting that the coalition had supported 15 individuals in 2024 and was now expanding its reach.
“We are grateful for this initiative to raise awareness about land rights and support vulnerable individuals in acquiring their documents. We hope to see at least 200 people benefit this year,” Mayiel said.
He criticized the state’s executive branch for mismanaging land resources, citing cases of land grabbing, illegal occupations, and forced displacements. Mayiel urged all stakeholders to respect land laws and work with civil society to protect the rights of vulnerable communities.
Voices from the Community
Nyajang Luonjour, a war veteran and one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude for receiving her land document.
“I am very happy today. I now know my rights to my land. Without this support, I would have nothing to leave for my children,” she said.
Nyajang appealed for further assistance to build shelters on her plot, noting that many vulnerable women in Unity State had lost everything during the war.
Wilson Gatjual Baak, Director of Planning and Budgeting in the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, described the event as a success. He called on the CSCNR and its partners to expand their support to thousands of other vulnerable individuals in the state.
“We have witnessed the handing over of documents today. Many more people need this support, and we urge you to continue lobbying for resources to help them build shelters on their legally acquired lands,” Baak said.
Chiok Peng Goah, a representative of the traditional authority, thanked the CSCNR for its work and called for additional support to help beneficiaries build shelters.
“Our sons in civil society have done a wonderful job by mobilizing resources to support these vulnerable groups. We also thank the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Public Utilities for facilitating their work,” Goah said.