Reintegration of displaced populations through land tenure and housing in Afghanistan

The Side Event 'Reintegration of displaced populations through land tenure and housing in Afghanistan' is centered on presentations delivered by key speakers from the Afghan government in the land, urban policy sector and followed by Q&A.; Reintegration of displaced people is one of Afghanistan's most pervasive issues. Recent returns of Afghan nationals from neighbouring countries since 2016 exceed 1 million people, whilst living conditions internally continue to generate a record level of internal displacement. Traditional approaches to the reintegration of returnees and the displaced have been characterized by resettlement to purpose-built, detached 'townships' lacking access to livelihoods and basic services. In the case of protracted IDPs, evidence suggests the overwhelming majority intend to integrate locally in their locations of displacement and it has become clear that return to the place of origin is not possible for most communities in the current situation.

The side event will verse on the recent shift in government's response to the returnees and IDPs crisis in Afghanistan and how the new legal framework on land allocation is setting the stage for Humanitarian and Development actors to combine their efforts into the development of durable solutions for reintegration. Also, to share experiences and lessons with a wide range of stakeholders and raise awareness of the role of Housing, Land and property rights (HLP) and the operationalization of the Humanitarian u2010 Development nexus.

This event is focused on presentations followed by Q&A; delivered by key speakers from the Afghan government who will present the approach, the success so far and the roadmap to upscale the programme at the National level. A platform from which returnees and IDPs can be the driving force behind their own integration, becoming productive members of hosting areas.