Beneficiaries receiving legal counselling by a lawyer after an awareness session conducted by UN-Habitat Yemen Programme’s project team.
In the war-torn country of Yemen, countless families have faced unimaginable hardships, particularly in securing their Housing, Land and Property (HLP) rights. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated social and economic inequalities, leaving vulnerable communities without a clear path to justice. Yet, amidst the chaos, stories of resilience and hope are emerging, thanks to the efforts of UN-Habitat and its partners.
Bushra’s Journey to Justice
Bushra Saleh, a 29-year-old resident of Aden, is one such story. After inheriting her family’s house, she returned to Aden, only to find it occupied by another family, protected by a judge’s influence. With courts closed for long periods due to war and local customs, pursuing her rights seemed impossible. But Bushra’s determination never wavered. She attended UN-Habitat’s training sessions, which illuminated the complexities of HLP rights and the steps to assert them. Empowered with knowledge, Bushra began gathering the necessary documentation to prove her ownership, slowly building a case to reclaim her family’s home.
Through UN-Habitat’s project, which began in 2021, over 1,500 people have gained critical information about their HLP rights. The project not only addresses HLP violations but also strengthens land tenure security, particularly for women, accelerating urban recovery and peacebuilding in Yemen. Bushra's success in asserting her rights is a testament to the project's impact, proving that even in the darkest times, hope can flourish.
HLP awareness sessions with women in Aden, conducted by UN-Habitat Yemen Programme’s project team, to increase women’s understanding of their HLP rights and how obtain them.
MT’s Long-Awaited Return
Another powerful story is that of MT, a Yemeni citizen who, after purchasing a home in Aden’s Khormaksar district, was forced to flee due to the war. Upon his return, he discovered his house occupied by another family. MT’s initial attempts to reclaim his property through tribal mediation failed, leading to escalated conflicts.
However, with support from UN-Habitat and the National Foundation for Development and Humanitarian Response (NAHR), MT's case was resolved through peaceful mediation. The mediator, trained by NAHR, facilitated an agreement where MT paid a small compensation for the renovations made by the occupying family, who then agreed to vacate the property. After eight long years, MT and his family finally reclaimed their home, a day they had dreamed of for years.
The successful mediation not only returned MT's home but also underscored the importance of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution in Yemen’s fragile environment. By resolving disputes outside the courts, communities can avoid lengthy legal battles, fostering a culture of peace and coexistence.
UN-Habitat’s efforts in Yemen highlight the transformative power of knowledge, mediation and legal empowerment. These stories of Bushra and MT are just a glimpse into the broader impact of the HLP rights project, offering hope and a pathway to justice for those affected by conflict.
Mediator, trained and certified by UN-Habitat Yemen Programme’s local implementing partners, visiting a disputed property.
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