LIFE CAN CHANGE: Securing housing, land and property rights for displaced women Laura Cunial, ICLA Adviser Norwegian Refugee Council

Methodology and rationale Countries: Afghanistan, Ecuador, South Sudan, Palestine (Gaza), Lebanon and Liberia Research and analysis of legal assistance activities Displaced women face multiple discrimination in housing, land and property (HLP) rights Importance of HLP rights and access to justice in conflict and post-conflicts contexts

Access to justice and the rule of law in humanitarian contexts Women’s HLP rights are often neglected in humanitarian response Gap between the law and practice in conflict and post-conflict environments Inheritance and marital property laws can protect women’s housing land and property rights Recognising the significance of religious and customary structures

Social norms impede displaced women’s access to justice Existing discrimination is exacerbated during displacement Social norms are the main barriers for displaced women’s access to justice Social norms may be subject to change during conflict

Practical barriers resulting from socio-economic disadvantage Economic constraints Illiteracy and lack of awareness of rights Allocation of assistance to male heads of households

Conclusion – Challenges and opportunities for supporting displaced women’s HLP rights Displaced women face severe consequences when they claim their HLP rights HLP rights are an opportunity to promote gender equality and for cooperation between humanitarian and development actors

Key recommendations Provide legal assistance to displaced women Engage with customary and religious authorities Post-2015 global development agenda to incorporate women’s access to justice and land rights

Thank you for your attention For more information please visit womenshlp.nrc.no