How land rights contribute to human rights
Human rights day
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Now, 72 years later, the pursuit for universal human rights still demands our attention.
Right of access to land
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says: "Everyone has the right to a standard of living high enough for the health and well-being of himself or her family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care, and necessary social services ...". In order to have food and housing, you must have access to land.
The value of ownership
Ownership can be registered by law. This makes a property right a legal right recognised by the state. Registered ownership means that you can dispose or transfer land - but also that others cannot take your land. This gives you legal protection and increases prosperity and well-being. Many people do not have a registered, and therefore legal, right of ownership.
Land rights for all
Land rights for women, poor people, and children are not self-evident everywhere. Quite often, children lose their rights when the parents are no longer there. Kadaster helps in many countries with the registration of land and property under the motto "land rights for all". For men ánd women, for rich ánd poor, for young ánd old.
People, nature and well-being
The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations are in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and require proper land registration and information provision with a balance between people, nature and welfare. Having an overview of property and usage rights is essential in government decision-making, for example in spatial planning or nature conservation.