Karen National Union – KNU Land Policy · 2016-07-05 · This Karen National Union (KNU) land...

OFFICE OF THE SUPREME HEADQUARTERSKAREN NATIONAL UNION

KAWTHOOLEI

Karen National Union – KNU

Land Policy

December 2015

OFFICE OF THE SUPREME HEADQUARTERSKAREN NATIONAL UNION

KAWTHOOLEI

Karen National Union – KNULand Policy

December 2015

Table of Contents

PREAMBLE........................................................................................1

CHAPTER1:PRELIMINARY............................................................5Article1.1 BasicPrincipleofKawthooleiLandPolicy................5Article1.2 Objectives..................................................................6Article1.3 Natureandscope......................................................8Article1.4 Definitions..................................................................9

CHAPTER2:GENERALPOLICYMATTERS.................................16Article2.1 Basicprinciples........................................................16Article2.2 Principlesofimplementation...................................18Article2.3 Rightsandresponsibilities.......................................20Article2.4 Policy, legal and organizational frameworks related to

landgovernance......................................................22

CHAPTER3:RECOGNITIONANDALLOCATIONOFTENURERIGHTSANDDUTIES.............................................................25

Article3.1 Basicprinciples........................................................25Article3.2 Safeguards..............................................................26Article3.3 “Kaw” Lands............................................................28Article3.4 Informaltenure........................................................30Article3.5 VillageLands...........................................................31Article3.6 KNUAuthorities-ManagedPublicPurposeLand....34Article3.7 Regulatinguserights...............................................35Article3.8 Contractfarming......................................................41Article3.9 Investment...............................................................42

CHAPTER4:CHANGESTOTENURERIGHTSANDDUTIES.....48Article4.1 Basicprinciples........................................................48Article4.3 Redistribution...........................................................52Article4.4 Rescission...............................................................54Article4.5 Readjustment...........................................................56Article4.6 Investment...............................................................57

CHAPTER5:ADMINISTRATIONOFTENURE..............................59Article5.1 Registration..............................................................59Article5.2 Valuation..................................................................60Article5.3 Taxation...................................................................60Article5.4 Regulatedspatialplanning......................................62Article5.5 Resolution of tenure rights and tenure rights related

disputes...................................................................62

CHAPTER6:IMPLEMENTATION...................................................64Article6.1 Training....................................................................64Article6.2 Monitoringandevaluation......................................65

ABBREVIATION...............................................................................66

1Land Policy

PREAMBLE TheKNUwasformedonFebruary5,1947inRangoon.Afterthewithdrawal from Inseinheadquarters inRangoon, theKawthooleiGovernmentwassubsequentlyestablishedinToungooonJune14,1949.Severaldepartmentsfunctionedunder itsmandate,prominentamongthemtheforestryandagriculturedepartments.KNU'sfirst landpolicywasratifiedduringKNU's9thCongressin1974,withthepolicyprincipallybasedonthesloganof"land must be in our hand".However,afterGeneralNeWinoftheBurmaSocialistProgramParty(BSPP)seizedpowerinthe1962coup,Burmesecivilians'landsandrentalofleasedlandswereconfiscatedandnationalizedbytheBurmesegovernment.

During the socialist Burmese government period, land wasnationalized,resultinginsomefarmers,includingKarenfarmers,losingtheirlandownershipanduserightswithoutcompensation.ThenwhentheBurmesegovernmentexecuteditsFourCutscampaignbeginningin1974, Karen peoples again lost their lands inmany different ways,includingthroughmilitary-ledvillageassaults,landgrabs,andinfrastructuredevelopmentsuchastheconstructionofBurmesemilitarybases,roads,anddams.Military-ledassaultsagainsttheKarenpeoplehaveoccurredseveraltimessincethen,furtheraggravatinglandtenureandlivelihoodsecurity.Karenpeopleshavehadtoabandontheirvillagesandbecomeinternallydisplacedpeoples(IDPs)withinthecountryandrefugeesinThailanduntilthepresent.

ForKarencivilianstobeabletousetheirlandsindependentofBurmesegovernmentlaw,theKNUthuspassedtheirlandpolicy.Butby the mid-2000s, KNU’s land policy became outdated and less

2 KarenNationalUnion(KNU)

applicable, so theHeadof theKarenAgricultureDepartment (KAD),P'dohThuThayKor,revisedandupdatedthepolicyin2005withanewslogan"land to the native people".TherevisedpolicywasapprovedbytheKNU'sExecutiveCommittee(EC)duringtheKNU's14thCongressonMay6,2009.FortheexistinglandpolicytobemorerelevantandusefulforKarenciviliansandthecurrentpoliticalcontext,regularmeetingsand workshops have been organized. Additionally, with the aim ofpromotingsocialprogress,security,andjustice,inthemanagementoflandownership,thelandpolicywiththenewslogan"people are owner of the land" wasapprovedbytheKNUExecutiveCommitteemeeting,heldonDecember2015,afterthe15thcongressofKNU.

ThisKarenNationalUnion(KNU) landpolicyaddresses landtenurerights,aswellasthecategoriesofclaimantswhoareeligibletoclaimsuchrights.Theserightsshallbesecuredthroughtenurereforms.ThisPolicyaspirestodosoinamannerthatwillnotaddtopossibilitiesof manipulation and confusion, but instead promote in Karen Land(hereafter“Kawthoolei”)anenduringpeacegroundedinsocialjustice.Itthus envisions recognition, restitution, protection and support of thesocially-legitimate1tenurerightsofallKarenpeoplesandlong-standingresidentvillagecommunities,resultinginimprovedpoliticalandecologicalgovernanceoftenureofland,forests,fisheries,water,andrelatednaturalresources.Thisaspirestowardgreaterself-determinationinthecontextofadecentralizedfederalUnionofMyanmar.

Landpoliciesareneverneutral.Theynecessarilytransformthestatusquo,eitherbyreinforcingitorunderminingittovaryingextentsanddegrees. Therefore,what approach a given land policy takes iscrucial. For Kawthoolei, an approach is needed that prioritizes twoaspects.First,itmustmakesocially-legitimatecustomaryoccupationanduserights,astheyarecurrentlyheldandpracticedthepointofdeparture

1 ItalicizedtermsarefoundintheDefinitionsinArticle1.4ofthispolicy

3Land Policy

for both their recognition in law and for the design of institutionalframeworks formediating competing claims and administering land,forests,water,fisheriesandassociatednaturalresources.Suchcustomarypracticesincludeuplandswiddencultivation(“ku”),communityforestry,andgrazing.Second,suchanapproachmustalsorecognizethatmanyKaren peoples, against their will, have been alienated from theirhomelandsanddeprivedoftheircustomaryoccupationanduserightsasaresultofpastandcurrentconflict,and thus the landpolicyandtenurereformsmustservetoredressthissituation.

In Kawthoolei, the lives and livelihoods ofmany, especiallymarginalizedandvulnerablepeoplesandvillagecommunities,dependonsecureaccess,effectivecontrol,andsustainableuseofland,forests,water,fisheriesandassociatednaturalresources.Effectiveaccesstoandcontrolof land, forests, fisheries,waterand their relatednaturalresources is crucial for constructing rural livelihoods, for laying thefoundations for social inclusion and empowered political participation(especially indevelopment-relateddecision-making),and forensuringculturalandcollectiveidentities.Full,meaningfulandeffectiveaccesstoandcontroloftheseresourcesiscentraltopeoples’existence,well-beingandsurvival.Effectiveaccessandcontrol isunderstoodhereas therecognizedrighttouseandbenefitfromlandandothercloselyassociatednatural resources over time, and to participate inmaking informeddecisionsabouthowtheseareusedandforwhatpurposes.

How people, communities and others gain and retain therecognizedandsociallylegitimaterighttooccupyanduseland,forests,water,fisheriesandassociatednaturalresourcesisdefinedandregulatedbypeoples’societiesandcustomaryvillagecommunitiesthroughsocially-legitimatesystemsoftenure,bothformalandinformal.Tenuresystemsdeterminewhohaswhatrights,towhichland,forests,fisheries,waterandothernaturalresources,forhowlongandwhattemporalperiods,


andforwhatpurposes.Tenuresystemsmaybebasedonwrittenpoliciesandlaws,aswellasunwrittencustomsandpractices.

In line with international human rights standards, this policysupportsgoodgovernancethroughasociallylegitimatetenuresystemthat prioritizes the occupation and use rights of marginalized andvulnerablepeoplesandvillagecommunities,andemphasizesthesocialandecological functionsof land, forests, fisheries,waterand relatednaturalresources.

This policy aims to stimulate and promote, system-wide, theprogressive realization of human rights, environmental protection,sustainablelivelihoods,andajustandpeacefulfutureforallmembersofhumansocietyinKawthoolei.

5Land Policy

CHAPTER 1: PRELIMINARYArticle 1.1 Basic Principle of Kawthoolei Land Policy

1.1.1 The ethnic nationalities are the ultimate owners of all lands,forests,water,waterenterprisesandnaturalresources.

1.1.2 Therightofindigenouspeopleandthevillagecommunities,whoownlandcustomarily,shallberecognized.

1.1.3 Theownershiprightofethnicnationalities(everycitizen)shallbe practiced with limitations. The person, who has beencultivating thefarmlandorgarden landbyhimselforherselfconsecutivelyforlongterm,hastherighttoownthesaidland.

1.1.4 Peoplehavetheright totransferof landsuchastheright tosale,mortgage,exchange,gift,leaseandinheritance.

1.1.5 Inanystateorprovince,theindigenouspeoplehavetherighttocollectivelyownandusenaturalland,virginland,forestland,pastureland,intermsofancestrallandwheretheyhavebeenresidingsincethetimeoftheirancestors.

1.1.6 When any particular land is needed for public purpose inimplementingdevelopmentprojectsbythegovernmentinstitutionsandauthorities,landacquisitionshallbeconductedinconsultationwithlocalresidentsonthebasisofrecognizingtheownershiprightofindividuals,withlimitation,thecollectiverightofindigenouspeoplewhoownanduseland,andcustomaryownershipoflandrespectively.Inaddition,compensationshallbeawardedtothepersonsaffectedbytheaforementionedlandconfiscation,with


market price; suitable land replacement shall be provided tothem;and,reestablishmentoftheirlivesshallbedone.

1.1.7 Havingrecognizedtherightsofpersons,mentionedinpara6,theyshallbeprotectedagainsttrespass,illegalentryanduse,andunlawfulacquisitionstobecommittedbyothers.

1.1.8 Internallydisplacedpersonshavetherighttoreoccupytheirland,whichtheyownedpreviously,andtoreceivecompensation.

1.1.9 TheKarenNationalUnionshallestablishandoperatemechanismformanagement of land and land registration systemwhichrecognizelandownership.Intheformationofthecommitteeswhichwillresolvelanddisputes,inadditiontotheKNUauthorities,the representatives from the farmers’ organizations, legalacademicians,womenandyouthassociationsshallcomprise.

Article 1.2 Objectives

1.2.1 Withthislandpolicy,theKarenNationalUnionorKNU(hereafter“the KNUAuthorities”) strives to uphold international humanrightsstandards, topromotethewelfareofallKarenpeoplesandlong-standingresidentvillagecommunities,andtoprotectlocalfoodproductionsystemsandecosystemsandfoodsecuritythroughoutKawthoolei.Withregardto land,forests, fisheries,water,andassociatednaturalresources,thespecificobjectivesofthispolicyareasfollows:

1.2.2 Torecognize,protect,prioritizeandpromotethetenurerightsofKarenpeoplesandlong-standingresidentvillagecommunities,withemphasison theoccupationanduserightsof thepoor,marginalizedandvulnerableandwithspecialattention to therightsofwomenandyouth,andtoprotectthemfromanyloss

7Land Policy

ofenjoymentoftheserightsandofbenefitsofuse.

1.2.3 Toprovidefordifferenttypesoftenureandtheirrelatedrights,rules,dutiesandrestrictionsonownership,occupation,useandmanagementpracticesinthecontextofthejustandpeacefuldevelopmentandwelfareofhumansociety.

1.2.4 Torecognize,prioritizeandpromotecustomary tenurerightsandpracticesand toensure thesustainableoccupation,useandenjoymentofcommunallandandrelatedrights,especiallybythepoor,marginalizedandvulnerablepeoplesandlong-standingresident village communities, free from encroachment orunauthorizedoccupationorusebyothers.

1.2.5 Torecognize,prioritizeandpromotetherightsofrestitutionofrefugeesanddisplacedpersonswhohavebeen forced fromtheirlands,livelihoodsandhomes.

1.2.6 Tofullyrecognizethecontributionofthosenativeandlong-termresidentswhohaveendeavouredtomaintainecologicallysoundfarmingandfoodproduction(includingfishing,hunting,gatheringandherding)andgenerallivingpracticesthatservethesocialandecologicalwelfareofall.

1.2.7 Toprioritizeandpromoteasustainableenvironmentandsoundecologicalagriculturalandaqua-culturalpractices.

1.2.8 Toestablishanaffordableandaccessiblelandregistrysystemthataccuratelyrecordsandcertifiesthesocially-legitimatetenurerightsincludingcustomarytenurepracticesofresidentpeoplesandvillagecommunities.

1.2.9 Toestablishanappropriate,accessibleandeffectivesystemforaddressing and remedying tenure-related grievances anddisputes.


1.2.10 Toestablishtherespectivedutiesandrolesforalloftherelevantand appropriate KNU departments and agencies – includingKarenAgricultureDepartment(KAD),KarenForestDepartment(KFD), Karen Fisheries Department (KFiD), Karen MiningDepartment(KMD),KarenInteriorDepartment(KID),andKarenJusticeDepartment(KJD)–withrespecttothispolicy.

Article 1.3 Nature and scope

1.3.1 Thispolicyestablishesrulesandregulationstosupportthejustandlegitimate,peacefulandecologicalgovernanceoftenureofland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresourcesinKawthoolei.

1.3.2 The policy recognizes native peoples, customary villagecommunitiesandother long-standing residentsofKawthooleiandtheirassociatedcustomaryoccupation,useandstewardshippractices with regard to land, forests, fisheries, water andbiodiversity.

1.3.3 Thispolicyistobeinterpretedandadministeredinamannerconsistent with international human rights principles andstandards.2

2 Thispolicymakesreferencetovariousinternationalhumanrightsinstruments

including, inter alia, theUniversalDeclaration ofHumanRights, the Interna-

tionalConventionsonEconomic,SocialandCulturalRightsandonCiviland

PoliticalRights,aswellasotherrelevantinstrumentssuchastheILOConven-

tionNo.169,theConventiononBiologicalDiversity,theUNDeclarationonthe

RightsofIndigenousPeoples,theRighttoFood,theRighttoWater,theUN

Principles on Housing and Property Restitution for Refugees and Displaced

Persons(the“PinheiroPrinciples”),andtheFAO-TenureGuidelines.

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1.3.4 ThispolicyisinlinewithKNUgoalsseekingafuturedecentralizedfederalunionasthepolicyoutlinedbelowisimplicitlydependenton landmanagement powers implemented at the state andtownship level, accessible to and in accordance with thecustomarylawsofthelocalpeoples.

Article 1.4 Definitions

1.4.1 CommunalLands:Landthatisheldincommon,maintained,and used by all members of the local village community.CommunalLandsareacentralaspectoftraditional“kaw” land tenuresystemsandmayalso formapartofvillage landsasdefinedinthisPolicy.Communallandsincludenotonlythelanditself,butassociatedforestandaquaticresourcesaswell.

1.4.2 “Kaw”:This is the Karen form of customary tenure. Itencompasses communal land, forests, fisheries, water andrelatednaturalresourcesthatareoccupied,usedandgovernedunderthecommunalstewardshipandtenurearrangementsofaparticularvillagecommunity.Kawisconstitutedby:

Collectivelyoccupiedand/orused land, forests, fisheries,water and related natural resources–such as communityforests,grazinglands,village(residentialarea),communitygardens,fisheries,andsome“ku”3-uplandrotationalfarmingzones(includingfallows),amongothercategories.

Land,forests,fisheries,water,andrelatednaturalresourcesoccupiedand/orusedbyfamiliesorhouseholds–homelots,home gardens, “ku”-upland rotational farming zones(including fallows), orchards, and lowland paddy, among

3 seeArticle1.4.4ofthispolicy


othercategories.

Sacredsitessuchastraditionalburialgrounds

Culturalheritagesites

Itmustberecognizedthatcustomaryrulesandregulationsarefluidanddynamicover time,andcanvaryandchange fromvillagetovillageandfromareatoarea.

1.4.3 VillageLands:Village lands refer to the lands inhabitedandusedbymembersofa local villagecommunity.Suchvillage lands may include communal landsheldincommon,maintained,andusedbyallmembersofthelocalvillagecommunity,aswellashousehold/family-ownedplotsoflandusedforagricultureorhousing. Village Lands are administered by Village LandCommitteesasdetailedinSection3.5.

1.4.4 “Ku”:ThetraditionalsystemofKarenuplandrotationalfarming.Thissystemisecologicallysustainableandisbasedonshort-termcropping interspersedwith longer-term fallowperiods toallowtheforesttorecover.Thepracticesof“ku” are embedded inKarenculture,socialcustoms,spiritualpractice,andthe“kaw” systemoflandtenure.Traditionally,membersofthevillageknowwhoiscultivatingeacharea,andtheyrespecttherightsofthecultivatorstotheproductionoftheir land.Fallowedareasarevital to build up the soil, and therefore secure rights to thefallowedlandsareessentialforcommunitiespracticing“ku”.

1.4.5 Informaltenure:referstosituationswherelandoccupantsandusers,especiallyfrommarginalizedandvulnerablepeopleandcommunities,suchasIDPsandrefugees,havenotyethadtheirland use practices recognized by KNU Authorities and/orcustomary authorities.

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1.4.6 KNUAuthorities-ManagedPublicPurposeLand (KMPPL):referstolandareasofthenaturallandscapethataremanagedbytheKNUAuthoritiesinfulfillmentofaclearlydeclaredpublicpurposeorecologicalservice,asdeterminedthroughtransparentandaccountabledecision-makingprocesses.InKawthooleithereare three types ofKNUAuthorities-ManagedPublicPurposeLand(KMPPL),namely:PeriodicLand,ReserveLand,andPublicLand.

Periodicland:LandsthatarenoworhereafterdesignatedbyKAD,incooperationwiththeLand CommitteeandwiththeFree, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of customary authorities,asinornearwaterwaysthatperiodicallyformbasedonwaterfloworrain.

Reserveland:Landsthatarenoworhereafterdesignatedby the Karen Forest Department (“KFD”) as “ReservedForest”, “Unreserved Forest”, “Wildlife Protected Areas”,“NationalParkAreas”,togetherwithbufferzonesadjacenttosuchReservedLand.

Publicland:LandsthatarenoworhereafterdesignatedbyKADasusedforthepublicinfrastructurepurposessuchasroads,bridges,KNUAuthoritiesbuilding,schools,hospitals,office buildings for nongovernmental and communityorganizationsandsuchothercommonlyconsideredpublicuseinfrastructure.

1.4.7 Central LandCommittee:A KNU committee consisting ofGovernmentalandCivilSociety/CommunityBasedOrganizationsthat istobeestablishedwitha long-termmandateundertheKADtoadministerandaddressallissuesrelatedtothisKNULandPolicyanditsimplementation,asprescribedinArticle2.4


ofthisPolicy.

1.4.8 VillageLandCommittee:Incommunitieswithoutthetraditional“kaw”landgovernancestructures,alocalVillage Land Committee madeupofanappropriatenumberofelectedlocalleadersandat-largecommunitymembersshallbeestablishedinaccordancewithArticle3.5ofthisPolicy.Thiscommitteeshallberesponsibleforgovernanceofvillage landsasdefinedinthisPolicy,includingresponsibilitiesforlandregistration,enforcementofregulations,anddispute resolution, in accordancewithArticle 3.5 of thisPolicy.

1.4.9 CustomaryAuthorities: In the “kaw” system, these are thevillage leaders whomake decisions concerning the “kaw”.Customaryauthorities’decision-makingpositionderivesfromthesocial,cultural,andspiritualnormsandinstitutionsofthelocalcommunity.

1.4.10 CultivationRules:refertotherulesandregulationsgoverningcultivationpromulgatedbyKAD,incooperationwiththeCentral Land Committee,including(i)arequirementthatlandshouldnotbeusedforspeculationandshouldbeusedtocontributetotheresilienceof local foodproductionsystems;(ii)arequirementthatupstreamwaterusesnotadverselyaffectdownstreamwaterusers;and(iii)theprohibitionontheuseofchemicalpesticides,herbicidesandfertilizerswithoutpriorexplicitpermissionfromKAD,withthesupportoforganicfertilizerinstead.

1.4.11 InheritanceRules:refertotherulesandregulationsgoverningtheinheritanceofuserights,including(i)arequirementthatthetransferbyinheritancehasbeenapprovedbyKAD,inconsultationwith theCentral Land Committee and with the consent ofcustomary authorities or the Village Land Committee,andwritten

13Land Policy

evidenceoftheinheritancebeprovidedtoKADandrecordedintheRegistry,(ii)arestrictionprohibitingthepersoninheritingthelandfromtransferringtheuserightstothelandtoapersonwhoisnotqualifiedorusingthelandascollateralforfinancing,and(iii)arequirementthatthepersoninheritingthelandhasunderstoodandagreedtocomplywiththeCultivation Rules and otherrulessetforthinthispolicy.TheInheritanceRulesshallbeappliedbyKADinagender-sensitivemannerprotectiveoftherightsofwomenandinaflexiblemannertoallowusebyoccupantsandusers,especiallyfrommarginalizedandvulnerablepeopleandcommunities,suchasIDPsandrefugees,whoselandusepracticesarenotyetrecognizedbyKNUAuthoritiesand customary authorities.

1.4.12 UseRightsTransferRules:refertotherulesandregulationsgoverning the transfer of land use rights, including (i) arequirement that the land not contain Periodic Land; (ii) arequirementthatthenewuserhasunderstoodandagreedtoabidebytheCultivation RulesandotherrulessetforthinthisPolicy;(iii)arequirementthattheuserightstransferagreementbesignedbybothpartiesandfiledwiththeRegistryandthatthetransferagreementbedisclosedtoandapprovedbyKAD,inconsultationwiththeCentral Land Committeeandwiththeconsentofcustomary authorities or Village Land Committee prior tothetransfer;(iv)arequirementthatthelandbedescribedbywrittendescriptionorreferencetoamap;and(v)adeterminationbyKADthatpriortothetransferofanyuserights,theoriginaluserhasingoodfaithattemptedtocontractwith:first,toarelativefromthesamevillagewhoisqualified;second,toanon-relativeinthevillagewhoisqualified;andthird,totheperson,ifqualified,currentlyemployedasalaboreronthefarm.


1.4.13 Free,PriorandInformedConsent(FPIC):referstotherightoflocalcommunitiestoparticipateindecisionmakingaboutissuesaffectingtheirlands,territories,ornaturalresources.TherighttoFPIC is outlined in theUnitedNationsDeclarationon theRightsofIndigenousPeoples(UNDRIP)andenshrinedelsewherein international law.Inpractice, itmeansthatproject-affectedcommunitieshavetherighttogiveorwithholdtheirconsentforaprojectfreefromforce,intimidation,manipulation,orcoercion,priortotheimplementationoftheproject,andinformed of all the relevant information.Communitiesmustbeprovidedwithinformation in an appropriate language and format, withindependent analysis, and with legal or technical advice ifrequested.FPICprotectsa community’s right tonegotiate indecisionsthataffectthem,andallowsforatraditionaldecision-makingprocess.

1.4.14 PinheiroPrinciples:referstotheUNPrinciplesforHousingandProperty Restitution for Refugees and IDPs, which provideguidance for promoting the rights of refugees and internallydisplacedpersons(IDPs)toreturnandre-inhabitthehomesandproperties from which they were originally displaced. Theprinciplesextensivelyenumeratetherestitutionrightsofrefugeesand IDPs, including with respect to gender equality, non-discrimination, freedom of movement, compatibility withinternationallaw,andsoon.EspeciallyrelevanttothesituationinKawthooleiare:

Therighttofaircompensationifrestitutionisimpossible.

Theright tovoluntaryreturn, insafetyanddignity,whichmeansthatrefugeesandIDPsmustbeprovidedobjective,uptodateinformation,andbeabletomakeanindividualchoicetoreturnhome,freefromforceorcoercion.

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The rights of secondary occupants to receive faircompensationandadequatehousing,land,andpropertyiftheymustbeevictedtomakewayforthereturnofdisplaced,primaryoccupants.

1.4.15 Socially-legitimate:Referstolandtenureclaimsthat,althoughtheymaynotbeformallyrecognizedbylaw,arewidelyacceptedaccordingtolocalnormsandvalues.


CHAPTER 2: GENERAL POLICY MATTERS

Article 2.1 Basic principles

2.1.1 The following principles are essential to contribute to goodgovernanceof tenure inoccupationanduseof land, forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresourcesandthereforemustbeadheredto:

2.1.2 Recognizeandrespectallsocially-legitimatetenurerightsholdersandtheirrights,whetherformallyrecordedornot;refrainfrominfringementofsocially-legitimate tenurerightsofothers;andmeetthedutiesassociatedwithtenurerights.

2.1.3 Recognizethedistinctrightofwomentoclaimeffectiveaccessto land, as peasants, rural labourers, forest dwellers orpastoralists,andaswomen.Asfarmworkers,(part-time)farmers,herders,andfirewoodgatherers,ruralpoorwomenhavetheirown connections to land resources, independent of themenwithinthehousehold,therebyentitlingthemtotheirowndistinctlanduserights.

2.1.4 Mustbehistoricallygrounded inorder for theoften ‘invisible’socialinjusticesofthepasttobeseenandeffectivelyremedied.Bringingtolightandsettingrightthesocialinjusticesthathavebeencommittedagainstthemostvulnerablesegmentsofsocietyonthelandisimportantinitsownright.Thisiscrucialforthelong-termsuccessof this landpolicy,sincepastconflicts left

17Land Policy

unresolvedwillconstrain, ifnotundo, itssuccess in the longrun.

2.1.5 Safeguardsocially-legitimatetenurerightsagainstthreatsandinfringements; protectsocially-legitimate tenure rightsholdersagainst the arbitrary loss of their occupation and use rights,includingforcedevictionsthatareinconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightslaw.

2.1.6 Promoteandfacilitatetheenjoymentofsocially-legitimatetenurerights;takeactivemeasuresandmeaningfulpublicinvestmentstopromoteandensurethatthepeopleareabletoattainandenjoythefullrealizationoftheirtenurerights.

2.1.7 Provideaccesstojusticetodealwithinfringementsofsocially-legitimatetenurerights;provideeffectiveandaccessiblemeansto everyone, through judicial authorities or other customaryapproaches,toresolvedisputesovertenurerights;andprovideaffordableandpromptenforcementoutcomes.

2.1.8 Provide just compensationwhere tenure rights are taken forsocially-legitimatepublicpurposes.

2.1.9 Prevent tenuredisputes,violentconflictsandcorruption; takeactivemeasures toprevent tenuredisputes fromarisingandfrom escalating into violent conflicts; endeavor to preventcorruptioninallforms,atalllevels,andinallsettings.

2.1.10 Ensurerespectofhumanrightsandsocially-legitimatetenurerightsbybusinessenterprises;ensurethatbusinessesarenotinvolved in abuse of human rights or undermining socially-legitimatetenurerights;takeadditionalstepstoprotectagainstsuchabusesbybusinessenterprisesthatareownedorcontrolledby KNUAuthorities, or that receive substantial support and


servicefromKNUAuthoritiesagencies;andprovideaccesstoeffectivejudicialremediesfornegativeimpactsonhumanrightsandlegitimatetenurerightsbybusinessenterprises.

Article 2.2 Principles of implementation

2.2.1 The following principles of implementation are essential tocontributetogoodgovernanceoftenureofland,forests,fisheries,water and related natural resources and thereforemust beobserved:

2.2.2 Humandignity:recognizingtheinherentdignityandtheequalandinalienablehumanrightsofallindividuals.

2.2.3 Non-discrimination:nooneshouldbesubjecttodiscriminationunderlawandpoliciesaswellasinpractice.

2.2.4 Equityandjustice:recognizingthatequalitybetweenindividualsmayrequireacknowledgingdifferencesbetweenindividuals,andtaking positive action, including empowerment, in order topromotesocialjusticewithequitabletenurerightsandcontrolofland,forests,fisheries,waterandassociatednaturalresources,forall,withspecialemphasisonwomen,youth,poor,vulnerableandmarginalizedpeoples.

2.2.5 Genderequality:Ensuretheequalrightofwomenandmentothe enjoyment of all human rights, while acknowledgingdifferences between women and men and taking specificmeasures aimed at accelerating de facto equality whennecessary.KNUAuthoritiesmustensurethatwomenandgirlshaveequaltenurerightsandaccesstoland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednatural resources independentof theircivilandmaritalstatus.

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2.2.6 Holisticandsustainableapproach:recognizingthatland,forests,fisheries,water,andassociatednaturalresourcesandtheirusesareinterconnected,andadoptinganintegratedandsustainableapproachtotheiradministration.

2.2.7 Consultationandparticipation:engagingwithandseekingthesupportof thosewho,havingsocially-legitimate tenurerights,couldbeaffectedbydecisions,priortodecisionsbeingtaken,andrespondingtotheircontributions;takingintoconsiderationexistingpowerimbalancesbetweendifferentpartiesandensuringactive,free,effective,meaningfulandinformedparticipationofindividuals and groups in associated decision-makingprocesses.

2.2.8 Ruleoflaw:adoptingarules-basedapproachthroughlawsthatarewidelypublicizedinapplicablelanguages,applicabletoall,equallyenforcedandindependentlyadjudicated,andthatareconsistent with their existing obligations under internationalhumanrightslawandinstruments.

2.2.9 Transparency:clearlydefiningandwidelypublicizingpolicies,laws and procedures in applicable languages, and widelypublicizing decisions in applicable languages and in formatsaccessibletoall.

2.2.10 Accountability:holdingindividuals,publicagencies,andnon-stateactorsresponsiblefortheiractionsanddecisionsaccordingtointernationalhumanrightsprinciplesandtheprinciplesoftheruleoflaw.

2.2.11 Continuous improvement: KNU Authorities must improvemechanismsformonitoringandanalysisoftenuregovernanceinordertodevelopevidence-basedprogramsandsecureongoingimprovementswithregardtotheoverallvisionandobjectivesandbasicprinciplesofthispolicy.


Article 2.3 Rights and responsibilities

2.3.1 KNUAuthoritiesmustensurethatallitsactionsregardingtenureanditsgovernanceareconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightslaw.

2.3.2 Allpartiesmustrecognizethatnotenurerightisabsolute.Alltenurerightsarelimitedbythehumanrightsandoccupationanduse rights of others and by the measures taken by KNUAuthoritiesnecessaryforpublicpurposes.Suchmeasuresmustbedetermineddemocraticallyandbylaw,solelyforthepurposeofpromotinggeneralwelfareandconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightsobligations.Tenurerightsarealsobalancedbyduties,includingthelong-termprotectionandsustainableuseofland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources.

2.3.3 KNU Authoritiesmust provide legal recognition for socially-legitimate tenure rights, including customary occupation, useandrelatedpracticesnotcurrentlyprotectedbywrittenlaw.KNUAuthoritiesmust define through widely publicized rules thecategoriesofrightsthatareconsideredlegitimate,withspecialemphasis on socially-legitimate occupation, use and relatedpractices,andprovideallpersons,includingthosewhoagainsttheirwill,havebeenalienatedfromtheirhomelandsanddeprivedoftheircustomaryoccupationanduserightsasaresultofpastand current conflict, with a degree of tenure security whichguarantees equal legal protection against arbitrary evictions,forcedevictions,andharassmentandotherthreats,andensuresthattheirlegitimatetenurerightsarefullyrealizedandrestoredandnototherwiseextinguishedorinfringed.

2.3.4 KNU Authorities must remove and prohibit all forms ofdiscriminationrelatedtotenurerights,includingthoseresultingfromchangeofmaritalstatus,lackoflegalcapacity,andlack

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ofaccesstoeconomicresources.KNUAuthoritiesmustensureequaltenurerightsforwomenandmen,includingtheirrighttoinheritandbequeaththeserights.

2.3.5 KNUAuthoritiesmustprovidenon-discriminatoryandgender-sensitiveassistancewherepeopleareunablethroughtheirownactionstoacquiretenurerightstosustainthemselves,togainaccess to theservicesof implementingagenciesand judicialauthorities,ortoparticipateinprocessesthatcouldaffecttheirtenurerights.

2.3.6 Given that all human rights are universal, indivisible,interdependent and interrelated, the governance of tenure ofland,forests,fisheries,waterandassociatednaturalresourcesmustnotonlytakeintoaccountrightsthataredirectlylinkedtooccupationanduseofresources,butalsobroadercivil,political,economic,socialandculturalrights.Indoingso,KNUAuthoritiesmustrespect,protectandensurethecivilandpoliticalrightsofdefenders of human rights, including the human rights ofpeasants,indigenouspeoples,fishers,pastoralists,ruralworkers,ruralwomen and rural youth andmust observe internationalhuman rights principles when dealing with individuals andassociationsactingindefenseofland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources.

2.3.7 KNUAuthoritiesmust provide access through impartial andcompetentjudicialandadministrativebodiestotimely,affordableandeffectivemeansof resolvingdisputesover tenure rights,andmustprovideeffectiveremedies,whichmayincludearightof appeal, as appropriate. Such remediesmust be promptlyenforcedandmayincluderestitution,indemnity,compensationand reparation. KNU Authoritiesmust strive to ensure thatvulnerable andmarginalized persons have access to such


means.KNUAuthoritiesmustensure thatanypersonwhosehumanrightsareviolatedinthecontextoftenurehasaccesstosuchmeansofdisputeresolutionandremedies.

2.3.8 KNU Authorities should welcome and must facilitate theparticipationofalloccupantsandusersofland,forests,fisheries,water and related natural resources, especially the poor,vulnerable andmarginalized in order that they become fullyinvolvedinaparticipatoryprocessoftenuregovernance,interalia, formulation and implementation of policy and law anddecisionsonterritorialdevelopment.

Article 2.4 Policy, legal and organizational frameworks related to land governance

2.4.1 ACentral Land Committeewillbeestablishedwithalong-termmandateunder theKAD toaddressall issues related to thisKNUlandpolicyanditsimplementation,includinginrelationtocross-departmentalandtransboundaryissues,andthetenuresystemestablishedherewith,consistentwiththeaforementionedguidingprinciplesandprinciplesofimplementation,especiallytheprincipleofcontinuousimprovement.

2.4.2 The Central Land Committeeshallbecomprisedofthefollowingrepresentatives:

RepresentativesfromtheKAD,KNUECmembers,KFD,KFiD,KMD,KID,KJD,DOI,CBO/NGOsector, and landrightsexperts.

Thedecisionswillbaseonmajorityvote.

Theremayalsobeanadvisoryboardtoguidethecommittee

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ontechnicalmatters,andthisadvisoryboardwillserveina strictly advisory capacity without any role or power indecision-making.

2.4.3 This Central Land Committeewillhave(atleast)threeWorkingGroups, whose heads wi l l have 25% of CBO/NGOrepresentatives:

Overall tenure system management and governance,includingbutnotlimitedtoissuesrelatedtolandclassification,useandplanning;

Tenurerightsdocumentation,demarcation,registrationandmapping,includingbutnotlimitedtoissuesrelatedtotenurerightsofmigrants,returningIDPsandrefugees;

Tenuredisputeprocessingandconflictresolution,includingbutnotlimitedtogrievancesandcomplaintsrelatedtoanychangestotenurerightsrelatedtorestitution,redistribution,rescission,readjustment,andinvestment,includingvaluationandcompensationissues.

2.4.4 TheWorkingGroupsmustinvolvetherelevantlocalcustomary authorities(“MasteroftheKaw”)whencarryingouttheirworkandresponsibilitiesandinanydecisionmakingrelatedtospecificlocalcases.

2.4.5 TheCentralLandCommitteewillhavetheauthoritytoaddressallissuesrelatedtothisKNUlandpolicyanditsimplementation,including in relation tocross-departmentaland transboundaryissues,andthetenuresystemestablishedherewith,consistentwith the aforementioned guiding principles and principles ofimplementation, especially the principle of continuousimprovement


2.4.6 TheCentralLandCommitteewillhavetheauthoritytoadoptnew regulations and best practice performance standardsspecifically tailored to different categories of rights and landrelateddevelopmentprojectsasitdeemsnecessarytoimplementthetermsofthispolicy.TheCentral Land Committeemayupdateandreviseexistinglandmanagementsystems,regulationsandperformancestandardsperiodicallyasitgainsexperiencewithlandmanagementprocesses,ascircumstanceschange,andasnewinformationandtechnologiesbecomeavailable.

2.4.7 TheCentralLandCommitteewillhavetheauthoritytorecruit,employ and assign staff for theWorkingGroups and otheractivitiestoimplementthetermsinthispolicy.

2.4.8 TheCentral LandCommittee will coordinate with relevantdepartmentsorlocaladministrativeauthoritiesinrelationtocostssharingwhichmayoccurinpolicyimplementationand/orsourcefinancialsupportsfromexternalfunding.

25Land Policy

CHAPTER 3: RECOGNITION AND ALLOCATION OF TENURE RIGHTS AND

DUTIES


3.1.1 Theland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresourcesofKawthooleibelongtothepeople,andaremanagedbytheKNUAuthorities.KNUAuthoritiesmustmanageallthis,whichisthepeoples’heritage,inlightofbroadersocial,economicandenvironmentalobjectivesandconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightslaw.TheKNUAuthoritiesmustconstantlyupdatetenureinformationonland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources itmanagesbycreatingandmaintainingaccessibleinventories. Such inventories should record the agenciesresponsibleforadministrationaswellasanysocially-legitimate tenurerightsheldbyindividuals,indigenouspeoplesandotherlong-heldvillagecommunities.

3.1.2 TheKNUAuthoritiesmustdevelopandpublicizepoliciescoveringtheoccupationanduseofland,forests,fisheriesandwaterandassociated natural resources that are retained by the publicsector and should strive to develop policies that promoteequitabledistributionofbenefitsoftheiruse.Theadministrationof,andanytransactionsconcerning,theseresourcesshouldbeundertakeninaneffective,transparentandaccountablemannerinfulfillmentofpublicpolicies.


3.1.3 This landpolicyembracesapluralunderstandingofpropertyrights, encompassing communal, community, state, and/orindividual household use rights. Individual household andcollectiveplotsoflandarepartoflargersociallyandecologicallyconstructed landscapes and waterscapes; upstream anddownstreamare interconnectedandmustbe recognizedandmanaged inaholisticmanner.This landpolicyprivileges theprincipleofdemocratizingaccesstoandcontrolovertheselandand water resources, of which there are a variety of policyexpressions. These include (among others):ceilings onoccupation,useandcontrol;redistributioninsituationsmarkedby high degrees of land concentration and rural poverty;restitutioninsituationswherepeoplehaveagainsttheirwillbeenalienatedfromtheirhomelandsanddeprivedoftheircustomaryoccupationanduserightsasaresultofpastandcurrentconflict;and stewardship. The peoples’ investments of labor andknowledgeinthemakingoflandandlivelihoodsmustalsoberecognizedandprioritizedbytheKNUAuthoritiesandbypublicinvestmenttoensurethatthepeopleareabletosecure,enjoyandfullyrealizeoverthelongtermthetenurerightsaccordedinthispolicy.

Article 3.2 Safeguards

3.2.1 Wherepossible,legalrecognitionandallocationoftenurerightsof individuals, families and communities should be donesystematically, inordertoprovideimpoverished,marginalizedandvulnerablepeoplesandcommunitieswithfullopportunitiesto acquire legal recognition of their tenure rights. WhenrecognizingorallocatingtenurerightswithregardtoCommunal Land and/orKNU Authorities-Managed Public Purpose Land,

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KNUAuthoritiesshould:

3.2.2 Establishsafeguardstoavoidinfringingonorextinguishingtheoccupationanduserightsofothers,includingsocially-legitimate tenure rightsandsubsidiary tenure rights, suchasgatheringrights, evenwhen these are not currently protected byKNUAuthoritiesorcustomary(“kaw”)law.

3.2.3 Givedueconsiderationtopeoplesandlocalvillagecommunitiesthathavetraditionallyusedtheland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources.Policiesmusttakeintoaccountthetenurerightsofothersandanyonewhocouldbeaffectedmustbeincludedintheconsultation,participationanddecision-makingprocesses.Suchpoliciesmustclearlyshowandensurethattheallocationoftenurerightsdoesnotthreatenthelivelihoodsofpeoplebydeprivingthemoftheirsocially-legitimateaccesstotheseresources.

3.2.4 Firstidentifyallexistingtenurerightsholders,whetherformallyrecordedornot.Indigenouspeoplesandothervillagecommunitieswithcustomary tenuresystems,smallholdersandanyoneelsewho could be affectedmust be included in the consultationprocess.KNUAuthoritiesmustprovideaccesstojusticeifpeoplebelievetheirtenurerightsarenotrecognizedorrespected.

3.2.5 Ensurethatwomenandmenenjoythesamerightsinthenewlyrecognizedtenurerights,andthatthoserightsarereflectedinrecords.

3.2.6 Ensurethatpeoplewhosetenurerightsarerecognizedorwhoareallocatednewtenurerightshavefullknowledgeoftheirrightsandalsotheirduties.Wherenecessary,KNUAuthoritiesshouldprovidesupporttosuchpeoplesothattheycanenjoytheirtenurerightsandfulfilltheirduties.


3.2.7 Carry out allocation of formal occupation and use rights intransparent, participatoryways, using simpleprocedures thatareclear,accessibleandunderstandabletoall.Informationinapplicable languages should be provided to all potentialparticipants.Newlyallocatedtenurerightsshouldberecordedwithotherexistingtenurerightsinasinglerecordingsystemorlinkedbyacommonframework.

Article 3.3 “Kaw” Lands

3.3.1 Land,forests,fisheries,waterandotherrelatednaturalresourceshave social, cultural, spiritual, economic, environmental andpoliticalvaluetoindigenouspeoplesandothercommunitieswithKaw (customary tenure) systems. KNU Authorities mustrecognize, respect and always take into account these non-monetizedvaluesforpeoplesandvillagecommunitieswithKaw tenuresystems.

3.3.2 KNUAuthoritiesmustrecognizeandprotectthelegitimatetenurerightsofindigenouspeoplesandothercommunitieswithKaw systems.Suchrecognitionshould take intoaccount the land,forests,fisheries,waterandotherrelatednaturalresourcesthatare used exclusively by a community and those that areshared.

3.3.3 Informationonanysuchrecognitionmustbewell-publicizedinan accessible location, in an appropriate form that isunderstandableandinapplicablelanguages.

3.3.4 IndigenouspeoplesandothercommunitieswithKawsystemsmustnotbeforciblyevictedfromancestrallands.

3.3.5 Incooperationwith theCentral Land Committeeandwith the

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consentofcustomary authorities,theKADshallworkwithpeopleand village communities to clarify and demarcate, whenappropriateandapplicable,thespatialandtemporalboundariesof communal landheldbyvillagecommunities inKawthoolei.Whensurveysarecompletedforthoseusesthatcanbemapped,theboundariesaretobeshownonmapsandsurveysfiledwiththeRegistry.

3.3.6 Fullandeffectiveparticipationofpeoplesandcommunitiesindecisions regarding their tenure systemsmust be promotedthroughtheirlocalortraditionalinstitutions.KNUAuthoritiesmustclearlyandactivelystriveforfullandeffectiveparticipationofallmembers of affected communities, including vulnerable andmarginalizedmembers, when developing policies and lawsrelated to tenure systems of indigenous peoples and othercommunitieswithKawsystems.

3.3.7 Whereconstitutionalor legal reformsstrengthen therightsofwomenandplacetheminconflictwithcustom,allpartiesmustclearlyandactivelystrivetocooperatetoaccommodatesuchchangesintheKawsystems.

3.3.8 KNUAuthoritiesmust protect indigenous peoples and othercommunitieswithKawsystemsagainsttheunauthorizeduseoftheirland,forests,fisheriesandwaterbyothers.

3.3.9 Whereavillagecommunitydoesnotobject,KNUAuthoritiesshouldassisttoformallydocumentandpublicizeinformationonthenatureandlocationofland,forests,fisheries,waterandotherrelated natural resources occupied and used by the villagecommunity.WheretenurerightsofindigenouspeoplesandothercommunitieswithKawsystemsareformallydocumented,theyshould be recordedwith other public, private and communal


tenurerightstopreventcompetingclaims.

3.3.10 KNUAuthoritiesshouldrespecttheapproachesusedbypeopleandcommunitieswithKaw systemstoresolvingtenureconflictswithincommunities.Forland,forests,fisheries,waterandotherrelatednaturalresourcesthatareusedbymorethanonevillagecommunity, means of resolving conflict between thesecommunitiesshouldbestrengthened.

Article 3.4 Informal tenure

3.4.1 Informaltenurereferstosituationswhereoccupantsandusers,especially from marginalized and vulnerable people andcommunities, such as IDPs and refugees, whose land usepractices are not yet recognized by KNU Authorities andcustomaryauthorities.

3.4.2 Where informal tenure to land, forests, fisheries, water andother related natural resources arises, KNU Authorities andcustomary authoritiesmust acknowledge it in amanner thatrespectsexistingformalrightsunderthispolicyandinwaysthatrecognize the reality of the situation and promote social,economic and environmental well-being. In particular, KNUAuthoritiesmustacknowledgetheemergenceofinformaltenurearisingfrominvoluntary,forced,ordistressmigrations.

3.4.3 KNU Authorities and customary authorities should developpoliciestoaddresssituationsofinformaltenureinawaythatfacilitates access to formal tenure rights either by the KNUAuthorities and/or customary authorities, including throughresettlementwherenecessaryandappropriate,andinamannerconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightsstandards.

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3.4.4 KNUAuthoritiesandcustomaryauthoritiesmustensurethatallactionsregardinginformaltenureareconsistentwiththeirexistingobligationsunderinternationallawandapplicableinstruments,includingasappropriate to the right to food, towaterand toadequatehousing.

3.4.5 WheneverKNUAuthoritiesandcustomaryauthoritiesprovidelegalrecognitiontoinformaltenure,thismustbedonethroughparticipatory, gender-sensitive processes. In doing so, KNUAuthoritiesandcustomaryauthoritiesmustpayspecialattentionto peasant farmers and small-scale food producers and therelatedlocalfoodproductionsystems.Theseprocessesshouldfacilitateaccessto legalizationservices.KNUAuthoritiesandcustomaryauthoritiesshouldstrivetoprovidetechnicalandlegalsupporttocommunitiesandparticipants.

3.4.6 Whereitisnotpossibletoprovidelegalrecognitiontoinformaltenure,KNUAuthoritiesandcustomaryauthoritiesmustpreventforcedevictions.

Article 3.5 Village Lands

3.5.1 VillageLands include communal landswhicharemaintainedandusedbyallcommunitymembers,aswellasfamilyplotsforfarmingandresidency,whicharemaintainedandusedbyfamilyunits.

3.5.2 VillageLands will be administered by a localVillage Land Committeethatwillbecomprisedofrepresentativesfromvillageleadershipandat-largecommunitymembers.Theexactstructureofacommunity’sVillage Land Committeewilldependon thesizeofthecommunityandthecommunity’sdecisiononthemost


appropriatestructuretoensurejusticeforallcommunitymembersconcerninglandissues.TheVillage Land Committeewillconsistof electedmembers whose roles and responsibilities will beunder the review of the entire community. TheVillage Land Committeeshalldeterminetheallowableindividualhouseholdandcollectiveoccupationanduseof itscommunal land,anddesignatespecificareasforspecificuses,includingagriculture,forestry,fisheries,grazingandmixeduses.IftheVillage Land Committeesodesiresanddeclares,anymemberwhoisallocatedcommunallandtogrowfoodforhisorherfamilymayberequiredtopayafairtaxtothecommunity.TheKAD,incooperationandconsultationwiththeCentral Land CommitteeandwiththeFPICof customary authorities, theVillage Land Committee and all membersofthevillage,shouldclarify,documentandcertifywhohaswhatrightstowhichareasdesignatedascommunalland,forhowlongandwhattemporalperiods,andforwhatpurposesandwithwhatduties.

3.5.3 WhiletheVillage Land Committeeisthebodyresponsibleforalllocallandadministrativeissues,itwillcoordinatewithandreceivesupportandguidancefromtheCentral Land CommitteethroughTownshipandDistrictauthoritiesandstructures.

3.5.4 TenurerightsandpracticesofmanypeopleandcommunitiesinKawthooleidependonrecognitionandprotectionofCommunal Land.IncooperationwiththeCentral Land CommitteeandwiththeFPICoftheVillage Land Committee,theKADwillrecognize,certifyandrecordintherelevantregistryallCommunal Land in Kawthoolei.Communal Landisnotlimitedtothelandresourcestherein, but also the related forest and aquatic resources.Communal Land may thus include community forests andwoodlands;lakes,riversandwetlands;Karenrotationalfarminglands(“ku”),garden,pastureandrangeland;andotherareas

33Land Policy

designatedassuch for localhouseholdandvillage foodandnon-foodmaterialproduction,forcultivationofmedicinalplants,forecologicalpurposes,aswellasforburialandotherspiritualpurposes.OtherexamplesofCommunalLandincludelandusedforreligiouspurposes,education,health,andmeetinghalls.

3.5.5 Occupationanduserightsofcommunitymembersandfamiliesonly are permitted inVillage Lands, andmay be individualhousehold or collective, as determined by theVillage Land Committee and other appropriate village institutions andtransparent and accountable decision-making processes.Communitymembersandfamilieswillbeabletoobtainplotsforhousingandfarming,whichtheywillberesponsibletomaintainundertheregulationsissuedbytheVillage Land Committee.AnytransferorrentingofthesecommunitymemberandfamilyplotsmustbeconsideredandapprovedbytheVillage Land Committee beforehand.

3.5.6 Inthecaseofoverlappingspatialboundariesbetweentwoormorevillagecommunities,KAD,incooperationwiththeCentral Land CommitteeandwiththeFPICofcustomary authorities or Village Land Committee,shallconsultwithallaffectedpeopleandcommunitiesandreachconsensuswiththecommunitiesontheexactlocationofboundaries.Ifavillagecommunitydesiresto adjust the boundaries of its communal land area, it shallconsultwithKADandtheCentral Land Committeeandwiththerelevantcustomary authorities or Village Land Committee and allpeoplesthatmaypotentiallybeaffected.AnyadjustmentshallrequiretheapprovalofKADandtheCentralLandCommitteeand the relevant customary authorities and the FPIC of anyadverselyaffectedpeoples.Ifconsensuscannotbereachedandthevillagecommunitystilldesirestoproceedwiththeadjustment,theissueshouldbesubjectedtoamutuallyagreeableformof


mediation.Ifadverselyaffectedbyanadjustment,theaffectedpeoplesshallreceivefairandjustcompensationfromtheKNUAuthorities.

3.5.7 No communal landoranyportionthereofshallbeusedatanytimeinanywayinanydevelopmentprojectorinanyinvestmentinitiativewithouttheFPICofthepeoplesorvillagecommunitieswhocouldbeaffected.

Article 3.6 KNU Authorities-Managed Public Purpose Land

3.6.1 Periodicland:LandsthatarenoworhereafterdesignatedbyKAD,incooperationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandwiththeFPICofcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee,asinornearwaterwaysthatperiodicallyformbasedonwaterfloworrain.Periodiclandhascrucialsocial,hydrologicalandecologicalfunctionsthatmustservethegeneralpublicwelfare,asdeterminedbytheCentralLandCommitteewiththeFPICofcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittees.Onlyunderclearconditionsofthestrictestnature,tobedeterminedbytheCentralLandCommittee,mayusufructrightsandresponsibilitiesto Periodic Land be allocated to qualified people orcommunities.

3.6.2 Reserveland:Landsthatarenoworhereafterdesignatedbythe Karen Forest Department (“KFD”) as “Reserved Forest”,“UnreservedForest”,“WildlifeProtectedAreas”,“NationalParkAreas”, togetherwithbuffer zonesadjacent to suchReserveLand.Reservelandhascrucialsocial,hydrologicalandecologicalfunctions that must serve the general public welfare, asdeterminedby theCentralLandCommitteewith theFPICof

35Land Policy

customaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee.IncompliancewithapplicableKFDregulationsandonlyunderclearconditionstobedeterminedbytheCentralLandCommitteeandwiththeFPICofcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee,andonlywhenitwillnotundermineitssocialandecologicalfunctionsandthegeneralpublicwelfare,ReserveLandmaybeallocatedforagriculturalusestoqualifiedpeopleorcommunities.

3.6.3 Publicland:LandsthatarenoworhereafterdesignatedbyKADasusedforthepublic infrastructurepurposessuchasroads,bridges, KNUAuthorities buildings, schools, hospitals, officebuildingsfornongovernmentalandcommunityorganizationsandsuchothercommonlyconsideredpublicuseinfrastructure.PublicLandhascrucialsocial,hydrologicalandecological functionsthatmustservethegeneralpublicwelfare,asdeterminedbythe Central Land Committee with the FPIC of customaryauthorities.Onlyunderclearconditions,tobedeterminedbytheCentral Land Committee and with the FPIC of customaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee,andonlywhenitwillnotundermineitssocialandecologicalfunctionsandthegeneralpublicwelfare,mayuserightsandresponsibilitiestoPublicLandbeallocatedtoqualifiedpeopleorcommunities.

Article 3.7 Regulating use rights

3.7.1 The occupation or use of land, forests, fisheries, water andrelatednaturalresourcesispursuanttoapprovalandcertificationofsuchoccupationorusebyKAD,incooperationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandwiththeFPICofthevillagecommunityandcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee.SuchrightofoccupationorusewillberecordedintherelevantRegistry.


3.7.2 Therightofoccupationoruseislimitedtoapersonwhois18yearsorolderwhohasnotbeenconvictedofanyviolationoflawandwhoisdeterminedtobe:

(i) primarilyresidedinKawthooleisincebefore1988otherthanfor periods of interruption causedby beinga refugeeorinternallydisplacedpersonorinterruptionduetoincidentaltravel;

(ii)residedinKawthooleiafter1988andwhohasperformedpublicservicesforthebenefitoftheindigenouspeopleofKawthoolei;or

(iii)aresidentofKawthooleiandhasevidenceofprioroccupationor use rights in a parcel of land based on preexistingevidenceacceptabletoKAD,theCentralLandCommittee,villagecommunityandcustomaryauthorities;

(iv)ahusbandandwifewithsharedoccupationoruserightsandrecordedassuchwho[together]meetanyoftheabovecriteria.

3.7.3 AnyrightofuseshallbesubjecttoastrictceilingorsuchsizelimitsasKADshallset, inconsultationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandwiththeFPICofcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee.Therightofuselimitisupto20acresforwetricefarmingandbetween2to5acresforsiltlandfarmingbaseduponadeterminationofthesustainablefertilityofthesiltland.InconsultationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandonlywiththe FPIC of village community members and customaryauthorities,andonlyifadheringtothevisionandbasicprinciplesofthispolicy,KADmaypermitthe20-acrelimittobeexceededuptoamaximumof50acresincircumstanceswarrantedbyexistingpatternsofuseorbyadditionofasmallareaofadjacent

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landthat isnot largeenoughtosupportseparate farming. Incalculatingthemaximumpermittedareaoflandthatcanbeusedbyapersonunderthispolicy,anyotherlandusedorleasedbythatperson,directlyorindirectly,mustbecountedtowardsthemaximum.Anypersonseekinganexpansionof the20-acrelimitmustapplytoKAD,incooperationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandwiththeFPICofcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee,andmustprovideafullaccountofhisorherotherland,water,fisheriesandforestareaswhereheorshealreadyhasacquiredinterestsinand/oroccupationoruserights.Failuretodosowillautomaticallynullifythesaidapplication.AnexceptiontothelimitsmaybegrantedbytheKADforflat,low-lyingareaswherelargerscalefarmingmaybeappropriate.Limitsmayonlybeexceededforthepurposeofmaximizingagriculturalproduction, and not for the purpose of sale, investment,speculation,ordevelopmentprojects.

3.7.4 Rightofoccupationorusebyabusinessorcommercialfarmingenterpriseshallnotbemorethan50acres.Thecalculationofthemaximumpermittedareaoflandthatcanbeassignedunderthispolicytoapersonorcompanymustincludeafullaccountofanyandalldirectorindirectinterestsinand/oroccupationoruserightsbythatpersonorcompanyofanyandallotherlandin Kawthoolei, which will be counted towards themaximumlandholdinglimitorceiling.Failuretoprovidesuchanaccountingwillautomaticallynullifythepersonorcompany’stenurerightsinKawthoolei.

3.7.5 Anypersonwhoobtainstherightofoccupationanduseofland,forests,fisheries,waterandotherrelatednaturalresourcesinKawthooleishallhavethefollowingrightsandresponsibilities:

therightandresponsibilitytocultivatetheland, including


cultivationforlong-termorshort-termplantingandinstallationofirrigationorotherfarm-relatedmeansintendedtoprotecttheirfarms,incompliancewiththeCultivationRules;

therighttotransferoccupationanduserightstoanotherperson,incompliancewiththeUseRightsTransferRules;

therighttotransferoccupationanduserightsofthelandthrough inheritance, in compliance with the InheritanceRules;

rentratesforanoccupationanduserightshallcontaintermsthatarenegotiatedbythepartiesinconsultationwithandwiththeapprovalofKAD,inconsultationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandwiththeFPICofcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee,orKFD forReservedAreas;and

each of the above shall be considered a condition ofoccupationanduserightswhich, ifviolated,subjects therighttorescission.

3.7.6 IfKADdeterminesthataparceloflandhasbeenoccupiedand/orcultivatedbyapersonforacontinuousperiodofthreeyearsormore,actingwiththepermissionofthevillagecommunityandcustomaryauthoritiesinwhichthelandislocated,thepersonwhohascultivatedthelandshallhavearighttoformallyrequestuserightstothelandfromKAD.TheKAD,inconsultationwiththeLandCommitteeandwiththeFPICofcustomaryauthorities,maygrantsuchrightsifthepersonqualifies.

3.7.7 Thetermofoccupationanduserightsshallexpireonthefirsttooccurif:(i)thetenurerightsholdersdeath;(ii)thedatethatis20 (twenty) years from thedate the tenure rightsbecome

39Land Policy

effective;or(iii)uponterminationforimproperuseaccordingtoKNUAuthoritiespolicy,asdeterminedbyKAD,inconsultationwiththeCentalLandCommitteeandwiththeFPICofcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee.However,ifthereismorethanonetenurerightsholder fromthehousehold, thetenurerightsshallnotterminatebydeathuntilthelastofthenamedrightsholdershavedeceased.Iftenurerightsarenotexterminatedduring theallowed first term, then the termcanbeextendedtwice,thefirsttimeforupto10(ten)yearsandthesecondtimefor up to 5 (five) years. Extensions are subject to thepriorapprovalofKAD,inconsultationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeand with the FPIC of customary authorities or Village LandCommittee.AnyexpirationorextensionoftenurerightsshallberecordedintheRegistry.

3.7.8 Ifatenurerightsholderfailstocomplywithhisorhertenurerightsobligationsortheprovisionsfortenurerightsregulationssetforthinthispolicy,thetenurerightsmaybeterminatedbyKAD,inconsultationwiththeCentralLandCommittee,theuserights holder and customary authorities or Village LandCommittee.Ifterminationoccurs,arecordthereofshallbefiledwiththerelevantRegistry.Ifthetenurerightisforcommercialor business purposes and the tenure rights holder has notpromptlycommencedorcontinuouslypursuedproductiveuseoftheland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresourcesinamannerthat fulfils itssocialandecological functionsandcontributestothesocialwelfareoftheaffectedcommunities,thetenurerightsmayalsobeterminatedbyKAD.

3.7.9 Therighttooccupyanduseland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelated natural resources are subject to certain generalreservation of rights and restrictions in favor of the KNUAuthorities,inconsultationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeand


withtheFPICofvillagecommunitiesandcustomaryauthorities.Theseincludethefollowing:

therighttominesubsurfacemineralresourceslocatedunderthelandsolongas(i)theminingisconductedincompliancewith all legal requirements governing mining and theenvironment, (ii)anymaterialdisruptionof theuserightsholder’suseofthesurfaceofthelandisavoided,and(iii)anydamagecausetothesurfaceorsoilconditionoftheland is repairedor restoredand theuse rightsholder isgivenfaircompensationforanylossofuseorvaluetothelandduetotheminingoperation;and

theprohibitionofharvestingofteakorothersimilarvaluablewoodwithoutpriorpermissionoftheKFDandincompliancewiththeapplicableregulationsofKFD.

3.7.10 InthecaseoftheKNUAuthoritiesallocatinguserightstoextractmineralsortimberandothernaturalresourcesortheproductionofcrops,thenthecommunitywhoseuserightswereimpingeduponshouldreceiveacertainpercentageoftheprofitsgenerated,asdeterminedbytherelevantdepartments,inconsultationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandcustomaryauthoritiesorVillageLand Committee, and with consensus with the localcommunity.

3.7.11 Theserightsandrestrictionsonthepeoples’tenurerightsarestrictlysubjecttotheoverallvisionandbasicprinciplesofthispolicy,aswellastointernationalhumanrightsstandards,andfinallytotheprecautionaryprinciple,namely,theobligationto:

protectCommunalLandfromanyecologicalharmthatmightresult fromeitherminingorwoodharvestingand relatedactivities;and

41Land Policy

ensurethatnoharmcomestoanysocially-legitimatetenurerights,includingcustomarytenureandinformaltenurerightsnotyetrecognizedbylaw,asaresultofeitherminingorwoodharvestingorotherresourceextractiveorproductiveactivities.

3.7.12 ApersonwhoobtainstenurerightsfromKADshallberequiredtocontributetolocalfoodproductionsystemsandsupportlivingpracticesthatservethegeneralandspecificsocialandecologicalwelfare.IfthereexistsafoodshortageperioddeclaredbytheKNUAuthorities,reallocationofuserightswillprioritizepersonsunable to provide for their own food because their principaloccupationsarenot farmingor theyarewomenandchildrenwhodonothavefamilieswhofarm.

3.7.13 AnyuserightsholderwhoisfoundbyKADtohavetransferreduserightsontermscontrarytotheprovisionsofthispolicymay,uponnoticeandanopportunitytobeheard,havehisorherrightto use the land, forest, fisheries, water and related naturalresourcesassociatedwiththisrightsuspendedorrevokedbyKAD,andhaveanyuserightsenteredintothatisinviolationterminatedbyKAD.

Article 3.8 Contract farming

3.8.1 TheKNUAuthoritiesshouldregulateandmonitorformalcontractfarmingarrangementstoensurethatrisksareminimizedandbenefitsmaximizedforfarmers.

3.8.2 TheKNUAuthoritiesshouldprovideeasyandaffordableaccesstocreditforfarmerssothattheydonothavetorelyonlocalbrokersormoneylendersathighinterestratethatunnecessarily


increasesriskandthedebtcycle.

3.8.3 Inenactingfurtherlawsorpoliciesgoverninglanduse,theKNUAuthorities, through theCentral LandCommittee, will furtherstudytheissueof“contractfarming”todeterminewhatfurtherprovisionsshouldbeadoptedtoinsurethatcontractfarmingisconducted inamannerthatbenefits farmersandrecognizes,protectsandfulfillsobligationsunderinternationalhumanrightslawandinstruments.

Article 3.9 Investment

3.9.1 Investment inagriculture involvesthecommitmentofmultipleresources (includingnatural, human, social, cultural, physicalandfinancial),byKNUAuthoritiesaswellasvillagecommunitiesand individualhouseholds that servemultiplepurposes,e.g.,buildingupsoilfertility,sustainingculturalpracticesandrituals,generatingopportunitiesforthenextgenerationofruralyouth,etc.Accordingly,investmentinagricultureinvolvesmuchmorethanthemobilizationoffinancialcapitalinordertogenerateaprofit.

3.9.2 Investment,publicorprivate,whichignorestheimperativesforpeaceandsocialjustice,presentandfuturepublicwelfare,socialreproductionandwhichissubsidizedbyvastecologicaldebts,cannotbeconsideredsustainable.

3.9.3 Responsible investments do no harm, safeguard againstdispossessionoflegitimatetenurerightholdersandenvironmentaldamage,andshouldrespecthumanrights.Theyshouldstriveto further contribute to this policy’s vision and objectives, topovertyeradication,tofoodsecurityandsustainableuseofland,

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forests, fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources,andtothe increased resilience of individual households and villagecommunities;toruraldevelopmentasenvisionedbythepeople;to the survival and strengthening of local food productionsystems;tothecreationofdignifiedemploymentbasedondecentwages; to the construction of rural livelihoods; and to therealization of international human rights principles andstandards.

3.9.4 Thispolicyprioritizespositiveagriculturalinvestments,namelythosethatprioritizemarginalized,poorandvulnerablepeoplesand village communities in building rural futures based oneconomicallyviable,ecologicallysoundandculturallyappropriatefarmingpractices,andtherespectofoccupationanduserightsdefinedinthispolicywithregardtoland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources.

3.9.5 KAD, in consultation and cooperation with the Central LandCommittee,villagecommunitiesandcustomaryauthorities,shallprioritize,leadandencouragepublicinvestmentinfarmingandagricultural practices in Kawthoolei that support, protect andreinforcepeasantfarmers’owninvestments,includingoflocalindigenous knowledge and customary farming practices, andutilizevarious“bestpractices”asfollows:

mixingcrops,plantingfruitsandvegetablesanddiversifyingfromadependenceonriceastheonlycrop;and

adoptionofagro-ecologyandfarmingmethodsdesignedtoimproveproductivity,environmentalsensitivity,soilviabilityandfoodproductionsystems

3.9.6 TheKNUAuthoritieswillengageinaprocesstofurtherdevelopwhatagro-ecologybestpracticesmeanforKawthooleiandthose


people who are cultivating, involving KAD, the Central LandCommittee,localcustomaryauthorities,VillageLandCommittees,and c iv i l soc ie ty organizat ions/ communi ty basedorganizations.

3.9.7 Whereappropriateand inaccordancewith thestated vision,aimsandprinciplesofthispolicy,KNUAuthorities,throughtheCentral LandCommittee and in consultation with customaryauthoritiesorVillageLandCommittee,mayconsiderlargerscaleinvestmentsintheformofdevelopmentprojectsandinitiatives.The feasibility and appropriateness of such larger scaleinvestments and development projects and initiatives will bedeterminedthroughclosescrutinybytheKAD,inconsultationandcooperationwiththeCentralLandCommittee,customaryauthorities,andVillageLandCommitteesubjecttoapprovalbythe KNU Environmental Protection Committee (KNU EPC)followingtheirInitialEnvironmentalEvaluationandEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentproceduresandDevelopmentProjectReviewpolicy

3.9.8 Priortotheinitiationofanylargescaleinvestmentordevelopmentproject,KNUAuthorities,throughtheCentralLandCommitteeandsubjecttoapprovalbytheKNUEnvironmentalProtectionCommittee (KNU EPC) following their Initial EnvironmentalEvaluationandEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentproceduresDevelopmentProjectReviewPolicy,willensurethatindependentenvironmental, social, health and human rights impactassessments are conducted and concluded and their resultswidelypublicizedandtakenintoaccountinaccordancewiththerights,responsibilitiesandrequirementsofthispolicyandwiththestandardsset forth fromtimeto timeby the InternationalAssociationforImpactAssessments(IAIA).

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3.9.9 WithoutlimitingthescopeoftherequirementforcompliancewithIAIAstandardsandKNUEPC’sInitialEnvironmentalEvaluationandEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentprocedures,eachimpactassessment process shall include (a) public participationthroughouttheprocess,(b)analysisofscenariosthattakeintoaccounttheaccumulationofpossibleimpactsfromotherongoingorcontemplatedprojects,(c) informationabout thecostsandbenefitsoftheprojectandthemeansofassuringthedeliveryofcontemplatedbenefits,and(d)meansfortheaffectedpublictovoicetheiropinionsthroughoutthestepsoftheprocess.

3.9.10 No investment or development project shall be permitted toproceed in amanner that encroaches or interferes with theindividual household or collective tenure rights of peoplesorvillage communities without their Free, Prior and InformedConsent (FPIC).No such investment or development projectshallbepermittedtoproceedinamannerthatforcesrelocationofpeoplewithouttheirfree,priorandinformedconsent.Onlythoseinvestmentordevelopmentprojectsthatreceiveapprovalby KNU Environmental Protection Committee (KNU EPC)followingtheirDevelopmentProjectReviewpolicyandtheInitialEnvironmentalEvaluationandEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentprocedures,andwiththeconsentoftheCentralLandCommittee,villagecommunitiesandcustomaryauthorities,willbepermittedtoproceed.

3.9.11 Aspartoftheenvironmentalandsocialassessmentprocess,theimpactedlandareashallbedelineatedonalandsurveywithanoverlayonsuchsurveyofdifferentlandandforestcategoriesanduses(e.g.,ReservedLand,PublicLand,CommunalLand,etc.)withintheimpactedarea.Suchimpactsurveyshallbeatascalethatiseasilyreadableandatalevelthatenablesspatialandtemporalboundariestobereadilydiscernable.


3.9.12 Fairconsiderationshallbegiventoanypersonorcommunitythatisrelocatedand/orwhosuffersalossoftenurerightsoradverseeffectstotheirwaysoflives,livelihoods,health,culturalortraditionalvaluesorsenseofcommunity.Anydisputearisingfromor related to any investment or development project orinitiativeshallbesubjecttojudicialreview.

3.9.13 Communitiesaffectedbytheinvestmentshallreceiveacertainpercentageoftheprofits,asdeterminedbytheKNUAuthorities,in consultation with relevant departments, Central LandCommittee,localauthorities,andaffectedvillagers.

3.9.14 Nolarge-scale investmentordevelopmentprojector initiativewill beapproved toproceed if it lacks compliancewithKNUEPC’sDevelopmentProjectReviewPolicyoranyotherapplicablelawsorpoliciescoveringdevelopment,environmental,social,healthandhumanrightsimpacts.

3.9.15 ProposedjointventuresfordevelopmentprojectsaresubjecttothepriorapprovaloftheKNUAuthorities,throughtheCentralLand Committee, KNU EPC, and village communities andcustomary authorities. No request for approval shall beentertained unless the request is accompanied by sufficientinformationfortheCentralLandCommittee,KNUEPC,VillageLandCommittees,andcustomaryauthorities,toassessthe(a)termsofthejointventure,includingtermsrelatedtocontrolandmanagementofaffairs,(b)proposedbenefitstothepeoplemostlikelytobeaffectedbytheactivitiesofthejointventureand(c)verifythattheprojecthasreceivedapprovalfromtheKNUEPCinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheKNUDevelopmentProjectReviewpolicyandInitialEnvironmentalEvaluationandEnvironmentalImpactAssessmentprocedures.

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3.9.16 Noperson,privateorsovereignentityshallbepermitted,directlyorthroughindirectmeans,toparticipateinanyjointventureforadevelopmentprojectabsentapprovalbytheKNUAuthoritiesthroughtheCentralLandCommitteeandKNUEPC.

3.9.17 Incaseswheretheperson,privateorsovereignentityisfromaforeigncountry,thenspecialregulations,requirementsandreviewoftheirapplication,additionaltotherequirementsalreadystatedinthispolicy,maybeundertakenbytheCentralLandCommittee.TheCentralLandCommittee,inconsultationwiththeKNUEPCandcustomaryauthorities,willdevelopanddetermine,aswellaswidelypublicizethesespecialregulations,requirementsandreviewprocedures,atthesoonestpossibletimeandpriortothegrantingofuserightstoanyforeignpersonorentity.

3.9.18 Agreementsforanyinvestmentsarerequiredtoclearlydefinetherightsanddutiesofallpartiestotheagreementandtoclearlyspecifythetermsoftheagreement,ofwhichthesemustincludetherighttoreviewandre-negotiatethetermsinrecognitionofchangingcircumstancesandconditionsandinaccordancewiththestatedvision,aimsandprinciplesofthispolicy.


CHAPTER 4: CHANGES TO TENURE RIGHTS AND DUTIES


4.1.1 Thispartaddressesthegovernanceoftenureofland,forests,fisheries,water, and related natural resourceswhen existingrightsandassociateddutiesaretransferredorreallocatedasaresult of restitution, redistribution, rescission or readjustmentmeasures.SuchmeasureswillbeundertakenbyKNUAuthoritiesinordertofulfillthevision,objectivesandprinciplesofthispolicyanditsrelatedobligations.

4.1.2 In line with international human rights standards, this policysupportsgoodgovernancethroughasocially-legitimatetenuresystem that prioritizes the occupation and use rights ofmarginalizedandvulnerablepeoplesandvillagecommunities,and emphasizes the social and ecological functions of land,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources.Thispolicyaims to stimulate and promote the progressive realization ofhumanrights,environmentalprotection,sustainablelivelihoods,andajustandpeacefulfutureforallmembersofhumansocietyinKawthoolei.

4.1.3 Notenurerightisabsolute.AlltenurerightsarelimitedbythehumanrightsandoccupationanduserightsofothersandbythemeasurestakenbytheKNUAuthoritiesnecessaryforpublicpurposesthatareinkeepingwiththevision,aimsandprinciples

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ofthispolicy.Suchmeasuresmustbedetermineddemocraticallyandbylaw,solelyforthepurposeofpromotinggeneralwelfareandconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightsobligations.Tenurerights are also balanced by duties, including the long-termprotectionandsustainableuseofland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources.

4.1.4 Whenever any reallocation or transfer of the tenure rightsidentifiedinthispolicyisbeingconsidered,theKNUAuthoritieswill undertake full andmeaningful consultationwith all thosewhosetenurerightscouldbeaffected,togaintheirFPICbeforeinitiating any project, or before adopting and implementinglegislativeoradministrativemeasures.Consultationanddecision-makingprocesseswillbeorganizedwithoutintimidationandbeconductedusingclearandaccountableproceduresandbasedoninternationalhumanrightsprinciplesofimplementation.

4.1.5 Prior to the initiation of any change in tenure rights, KNUAuthoritieswillensurethatindependentenvironmental,social,healthandhumanrightsimpactassessmentsareconductedandconcludedandtheir results taken intoaccount inaccordancewiththerights,responsibilitiesandrequirementsofthispolicy,theKNUEPC’sDevelopmentProjectReviewPolicyandtheirInitial Environmental Evaluation and Environmental ImpactAssessmentprocedures,andwiththestandardssetforthfromtime to time by the International Association for ImpactAssessments(IAIA).Impactassessmentsshallinclude(a)publicparticipationthroughouttheprocess;(b)analysisofscenariosthattakeintoaccounttheaccumulationofpossibleimpactsfromotherongoingorcontemplatedprojects;(c) informationaboutthecostsandbenefitsoftheprojectandthemeansofassuringthedeliveryof contemplatedbenefits; and (d)means for theaffectedpublictovoicetheiropinionsthroughoutthestepsoftheprocess.


4.1.6 Areasofparticularcultural,religiousorenvironmentalsignificance,orwherethe land, forest, fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresourcesinquestionareparticularlyimportanttothelivelihoodsofthepoor,marginalizedorvulnerable,willbesubjecttocarefulevaluationaccordingtothestatedvision,aimsandprinciplesofthispolicybeforeanychanges inassociated tenure rights isallowedtooccur.

Article4.2Restitution

4.2.1 It isrecognizedthatmanypeopleinKawthooleihaveagainsttheirwill been displaced bywar and other factors and havebecomerefugeesandinternallydisplacedpersons(collectively,“IDPs”).Incertainsituationstheirhomesandlandhavebeenoccupiedbymigrantsandothernewcomers.

4.2.2 Occupationanduserightsmadeorpermittedunderthispolicywill be administered in a manner that complies with theinternationallyrecognizedPinheiroPrinciples,takingintoaccounttheprimacyoftherightofIDPstohavetheirlandsberestoredtothem.ThedefinitionsinthispolicyshallbeappliedinamannerconsistentwiththePinheiroPrinciples.

4.2.3 Wherepossible,theoriginalparcelsorholdingswillbereturnedtothosewhosufferedtheloss,ortheirheirs.Wheretheoriginalparcel or holding cannot be returned, the KAD, in closeconsultationwiththeCentralLandCommittee,willdecideonanappropriatealternativewithconsensusfromlocalauthoritiesandvillagecommunityofthoseimpacted.

4.2.4 TheKNUAuthoritieswillsetasideotherlandintownshipstouseforthepurposeofprovidingalternativelandplotsforthose

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thatarenotabletoreturntotheiroriginallandplot,forwhateverreason.ThisconsensualprocesswillbefacilitatedbytheKADand the Central Land Committee at the township level, inconsultationwith local customary authority and the returningIDPsandrefugeesbeingrestituted.

4.2.5 TheKNUAuthoritieshas theauthority to temporarily transferuserightstocurrentlyunoccupiedbutpreviouslyusedlandwhiletheoriginaloccupantsaregoneinordertomaintainagriculturalproductivityandofferuserightstothosethatareinneedinthearea, inthiscasereturningIDPsandrefugees.If theoriginaloccupantreturnsbeforethetemporaryuserightsholder’suserights have expired (maximum 20 years), then KAD, inconsultationwithCentralLandCommitteeandwithconsensusfromcustomaryauthoritiesandtheoriginaloccupants,willfindasuitablealternativelandplotfortheoriginaloccupantsuntiltheuserightsholders’userightshaveexpiredfortheoriginaloccupantslandplot.Meanwhile,theoriginaloccupantwillqualifyto receive the land taxespaidby thenewuse rightsholder,instead of to the KAD as done before the original occupantreturned.

4.2.6 KNUAuthoritieswilldevelopgender-sensitive,clear,transparentprocessesforrestitution.Informationonrestitutionprocedureswillbewidelydisseminatedinapplicablelanguages.Claimantswill be providedwith adequate assistance, including throughlegal andparalegal aid, throughout theprocess.Progressofimplementationshouldbewidelypublicized.

4.2.7 KNUAuthoritieswillprovidemechanismsforinputbycustomaryauthoritiesandcivilsocietyorganizations,inordertoensuretherestitution process best reflects the will and needs of thepeople.


Article 4.3 Redistribution

4.3.1 Where a high degree of concentration is combined with asignificantlevelofruralpovertyattributabletolackofaccesstoland, forests, fisheries, water and related natural resources,redistributivereformcanbeacrucialmeasuretowardfulfillmentofthebasicvisionandobjectivesofthislandpolicy.Redistributionwillbeundertakenandcarriedoutinawaythatprotects,respectsand fulfills human rights and is consistent with internationalhumanrightsstandards.Redistributionwillprioritizeruralworkingpoorandlandlessandnear-landless,marginalizedandvulnerablepeopleandcommunities,andwillguaranteeequaltreatmentofmenandwomenandtheirequalaccesstoland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources.

4.3.2 Priortoanyredistribution,KNUAuthoritieswillclearlydefineandwidelypublicizetheobjectivesandclearlyindicatewhichareasaretobesubjecttoredistribution.Theintendedbeneficiaries,suchasfamiliesincludingthoseseekinghome-gardens,women,informal settlement residents, pastoralists, historicallydisadvantagedgroups,marginalizedgroups,youth,indigenouspeoples,gatherersandsmall-scalefoodproducers,willbeclearlydefinedandthisinformationwidelypublicized.

4.3.3 KNUAuthorities,withtheguidanceofcustomaryauthoritiesandcivil society, will develop and implement clear policies andprogramstomaketheredistributionprocessanditsoutcomessustainable.KNUAuthoritieswillundertakepoliciesandprogramsthatassistbeneficiaries,whethervillagecommunities,collectivesorindividualhouseholds,toearnanadequatestandardoflivingfrom the land, forests, fisheries, water and related naturalresourcesforwhichtheyacquireoccupationanduserightsas

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aresultofredistribution.KNUAuthoritieswillrevisepoliciesthatmightinhibittheachievementandsustainabilityoftheintendedeffectsoftheredistributivereforms.

4.3.4 KNU Authorities will ensure that any land redistribution itundertakeswillprovidethefullmeasureofsupportrequiredbybeneficiaries,suchasaccesstocredit,cropinsurance,inputs,markets,technicalassistanceinruralextension,farmdevelopmentand housing. The full costs of redistribution initiatives andprograms,includingcostsofsupportservices,willbeidentifiedinadvanceandincludedinrelevantbudgets.

4.3.5 The KNUAuthorities providing credit to improve agriculturalproductivity,withoutunnecessarydebtandcultivatorsnotneedingtorelyonmoneylendersorbrokers,needstobefurtherdiscussedbytherelevantauthoritiesandcivilsociety.

4.3.6 KNUAuthoritieswill implement redistributive reforms throughtransparent, participatory and accountable approaches andprocedures. All affected parties will receive full and clearinformationonthereforms,andwillbeaccordedwithdueprocessand justcompensation.Beneficiarieswillbeselectedthroughopenprocessesandwillreceivetenurerightsthatarepubliclyrecorded.Accesstomeansofresolvingdisputeswillbeprovidedfor.

4.3.7 KNUAuthoritieswillmonitorandevaluatetheoutcomesofitsredistribution programs and initiatives, including associatedsupportpoliciesandtheir impactsonaccessto land, forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresources,onfoodsecurityofbothmenandwomen,onhumanrights,andonenvironmentalhealthandbiodiversity.Wherenecessary,KNUAuthoritieswillintroducecorrectivemeasures.


4.3.8 KNUAuthoritieswillprovidemechanismsforinputbycustomaryauthoritiesandcivilsocietyorganizations,inordertoensurelandredistributionbestreflectsthewillandneedsofthepeople

Article 4.4 Rescission

4.4.1 The powers of the KNU Authorities to rescind and vacateoccupationanduserightsthathavebeengranted,registeredandrecorded,andcontainedherein(the“RescissionPower”)shallbeinadditiontoanyotherpowersoftheKNUAuthoritiesto take land, forests, fisheries, water and related naturalresources for public purposes, including taking these fornonpaymentoftaxes.

4.4.2 TheRescissionPowershallbeexercisedbyKAD,inconsultationandcooperationwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandwiththeconsentofcustomaryauthorities,andinamannerconsistentwithproceduraldueprocessoflaw,includingfairnoticeandanopportunitytobeheardpriortorescission.Thegrantoftenurerightshereunderisconditionedoncompliancewithallrightsandresponsibilities,dutiesandobligationsrequiredbythispolicy.Accordingly,therescissionoftenurerightsbasedonaviolationof these requirements shall not give any party any right tocompensation.

4.4.3 Totheextenttenurerightsinland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresourcesbecomeavailabletotheKNUAuthoritiesthroughexerciseofitsRescissionPower,theKNUAuthoritieswilluseitsbesteffortstoidentifyandprioritizenewoccupantsanduserstowhom(re)distributionoftheserightswillpromoteandfulfill thestatedvision,aimsandobjectivesof thispolicyand in amanner consistent with international human rights

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standardsandobligations.

4.4.4 KNUAuthoritieswillexerciseitspowerofrescissiononlywheretenurerightstoland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresourcesarerequiredtopromoteandfulfillthestatedvision,aimsandobjectivesofthispolicy,inamannerconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightsstandardsandobligations.Theyshouldrespectalllegitimatetenurerightholdersaccordingtothispolicy,especially impoverished,vulnerableandmarginalizedgroups,byacquiring theminimumresourcesnecessaryandpromptlyprovidingjustcompensation.

4.4.5 KNUAuthoritieswillensurethattheplanningandprocessforrescissionaretransparentandparticipatory.Anyonelikelytobeaffectedwillbeidentified,andproperlyinformedandconsultedatallstages.Consultations,consistentwithinternationalhumanrights principles, shall provide information regarding possiblealternativeapproachestoachievethepublicpurpose,andshallusestrategiestominimizedisruptionoflivelihoods.

4.4.6 KNUAuthoritieswillensureafairandsocially-legitimatevaluationprocess consistent with international human rights standardsandinstruments,withtheconsentandparticipationofcustomaryauthorities,andexplicitlytakingintoaccountthatland,forests,fisheries, water and related natural resources have social,cultural,spiritual,economic,environmentalandpoliticalvaluetoindigenouspeoplesandothercommunitieswithcustomarytenuresystems. KNU Authorities will ensure a prompt and justcompensation according to the outcomes of this process,includingofanyrelatedresettlementandassociatedcosts.

4.4.7 Whereevictionsareconsideredtobejustifiedforapublicpurposeasaresultofexpropriationofland,fisheriesandforests,KNU


Authorities will conduct such evictions and treat all affectedpartiesinamannerconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightsstandardsandinstrumentsandobligationstorespect,protectandfulfillhumanrights.

4.4.8 KNUAuthoritieswill,priortoevictionorshiftinlandusewhichcouldresultindeprivingindividualsandcommunitiesfromaccessto their productive resources, explore feasible alternatives inconsultationwiththeaffectedparties,withaviewtoavoiding,oratleastminimizing,theneedtoresorttoevictions.

4.4.9 Evictionsand relocationsmustnot result in individualsbeingrenderedhomelessorvulnerabletotheviolationofhumanrights.Wherethoseaffectedareunabletoprovideforthemselves,KNUAuthoritieswilltakeappropriatemeasurestoprovideadequatealternativehousing,resettlementoraccesstoproductiveland,fisheriesandforests,asthecasemaybe.

4.4.10 Where the land, fisheriesand forestsarenotneededdue tochangesofplans,KNUAuthoritiesshouldgivetheoriginalrightsholders the firstopportunity to re-acquire these resources. Insuchacasethere-acquisitionshouldtakeintoconsiderationtheamount of compensation received in return for theexpropriation.

Article 4.5 Readjustment

4.5.1 Where appropriate, KNU Authorities may consider landconsolidation,exchangesorothervoluntaryapproachesforthereadjustmentofparcelsorholdingstoimprovethelayoutanduseofexistingparcelsorholdings,includingforthepromotionoffoodsecurityandruraldevelopmentinasustainablemanner,

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or to make possible desirable publ ic infrastructuredevelopment.

4.5.2 KNUAuthoritieswillensurethatallactionsareconsistentwithinternationalhumanrightsstandardsandinstruments,andensurethatthosewhoseoccupationanduserightsareaffectedareatleastaswelloffafterthereadjustmentcomparedwithbefore.

4.5.3 KNU Authorities will establish appropriate safeguards inaccordancewiththestatedaimsandrequirementsofthispolicyinprojectsusingreadjustment.Anyindividuals,communitiesorpeopleslikelytobeaffectedbyaprojectwillbecontactedandprovidedwithallrelevantinformationinapplicablelanguages.Technicalandlegalsupportwillbeprovided.Participatoryandgender-sensitiveapproachesshouldbeusedtakingintoaccountrightsofindigenouspeoples.Environmentalsafeguardswillbeestablished to prevent orminimize degradation and loss ofbiodiversity and to support changes that foster good landmanagement,bestpracticesandreclamation.

Article 4.6 Investment

4.6.1 KNU Authorities will promote a range of production andinvestmentmodelsthatdonotrequireorresultinthelarge-scaletransferofoccupationanduserights,andthatdonotrequirethattenurerightsholdersgiveuptheirpowertodecidehowthelandisusedandforwhatpurposes.

Inthecaseofindigenouspeoplesandtheircommunities,KNUAuthoritiesmustensurethatallactionsareconsistentwiththeirexistingobligationsundertheInternationalLaborOrganization(ILO)Convention (No169)concerning IndigenousandTribal


PeoplesinIndependentCountriesandundertheUnitedNations(UN)DeclarationontheRightsofIndigenousPeoples.

4.6.2 Wheninvestmentshavethepotentialtocauselarge-scaletransferofindividualhouseholdandcollectiveoccupationanduserights,KNUAuthoritiesmustensureandwidelypublicizetheresultsofprior independent assessments on the potential positive andnegativeimpactsthatthoseinvestmentscouldhaveonhumanrights,tenurerights,foodsecurityandtheprogressiverealizationof the right to adequate food, livelihoods, health and theenvironment.KNUAuthoritieswillensurethatanyandallsocially-legitimatetenurerights,livelihoodsandclaims,includingthoseofcustomaryandinformaltenure,aresystematicallyidentifiedand protected. KNUAuthorities has the duty to ensure thatsocially-legitimatetenurerightsarenotcompromisedbysuchinvestments,whetherpublicorprivate.

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CHAPTER 5: ADMINISTRATION OF TENURE

Article 5.1 Registration

5.1.1 Atenurerightsregistry(the“Registry”)shallbeestablishedunderthesupervisionandmanagementofKADwithofficesatsuchplaceswithinKawthooleiasaredesignatedfromtimetotimebyKAD.EachRegistryofficeshall,fortheareaitcovers,bethedepositoryforallthelandrecordsrequiredbythispolicytobefiledandmaintainedatanappropriateRegistryoffice.

5.1.2 EachRegistryofficeisintendedtohavearegularlyupdatedmapoftheareacoveredbytherespectiveofficeshowingthelandinthe area and its designated uses, such as Reserved Land,Communal Land and Public Land, and, as the same areprogressivelymadeavailable,thespecificlocationsofapprovedtitlesforthearea.

5.1.3 EachRegistryofficeshallmaintainanindexthatfacilitatestheexaminationoflandrecordsondepositwiththeoffice.AllrecordsmaintainedatRegistryofficesshallbepublicrecordsandbekeptinsafeconditionandgoodorder.

5.1.4 KFD and KAD, through the Central Land Committee, shallcoordinateandcooperateasneededtoinsurethateachRegistrycontains records of their respective land designations anddecisionspermittingdifferentuses.

5.1.5 RecordsintheRegistryshallbeavailableinboththeKarenandBurmeselanguages.


5.1.6 RegistryFeesshallbedeterminedbyKADandbesetinamountsthatwillcontributetotheself-financingoftheRegistry,providedthatfeereductionsorwaiversshallbemadeavailabletopersonswhocannotaffordregularfees.

5.1.7 It is intended that the Registry will progressively become acomprehensivedepositoryforrecordsofactionsaffectinglandtenurerights.Accordingly,whetherexpresslystatedornot,allrecordsofmattersaffectingtenurerightsinlandareintendedtoberecordedintherelevantRegistryoffices.

Article 5.2 Valuation

5.2.1 Therightandresponsibilitytodeterminevaluationofland,forests,fisheries,waterandrelatednaturalresourcesforthepurposesof this policy is vested in theCentral LandCommittee. TheCentralLandCommittee,inconsultationwithKAD,thepeopleandcustomaryauthorities,willidentifyandundertakeaplanandprocesstodeterminetheKNUAuthorities’valuationpolicyinamannerandwithaneffect that isconsistentwiththepresentpolicy’svision,aimsandprinciples.

Article 5.3 Taxation

5.3.1 TaxesowedtotheKNUAuthoritiesshallbeassessedonformallyoccupied and used land and shall be due and payable by all typesofuserightsholders.

5.3.2 Taxationshallbeassessedbasedontheareaoflandoccupiedandused.

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5.3.3 In addition to Taxes assessed based on land area, (a) foragricultural land that is not cultivated byabsentee land rightholders and agricultural investors, the taxing authority mayassess a “weed” tax on such terms as it deems advisable,although fallow landsby swidden cultivatorswill not be heldunder thesamemeasureasperiodsofnocultivationareanimportant part of the rotation cycle; and (b) for land that iscultivated,thetaxingauthoritymayassessTaxesbaseduponlandareaand/orproduction.

5.3.4 Taxationshallbeassessedfortaxingperiodsandpayableonschedulesestablishedbythetaxingauthority.Thetaxingperiodsandschedulesmaydiffer fordifferentareasofKawthoolei totakeintoaccountdifferencesinlocalconditionsandsituations.

5.3.5 InassessingTaxesthetaxratesforeachtaxingperiodshallbeestablishedperiodicallybythetaxingauthority.

5.3.6 PaymentofTaxesmaybecollected intheformofmoneyorproduce atmarket price of the crop at time of harvest, asdeterminedbythetaxingauthority.

5.3.7 Largemono-cropfarms(largerthan20acres)willbetaxedbyKADatseven(7)percentoftotalharvest.Smallholdermixed,multi-usecultivationplotswillbetaxedbyKADbasedonlandsizeperyear,asdeterminedbythetaxingauthorities.

5.3.8 The taxing authority shall adopt such forms, regulations andproceduresasitdeemsadvisabletoimplementafair,transparentand just taxation system and an efficient means of timelycollectingTaxes,includingsettingdelinquencyratesandfeesforunpaidTaxes,proceduresforaggrievedtaxpayerstopetitionfor relief,andprocedures toconfiscate landrights forunpaidtaxes.


Article 5.4 Regulated spatial planning

5.4.1 TheCentralLandCommittee, inconsultationwith thepeopleandcustomaryauthorities,shallhavetherightandresponsibilitytodetermineifandwhenaregulatedspatialplanningagendais needed for Kawthoolei, and to develop this agenda in asystematic,transparent,consultative,andtimelymannerthatisconsistentwiththeoverallaimsandprinciplesofthispolicy.

Article 5.5 Resolution of tenure rights and tenure rights related disputes

5.5.1 Implementingthispolicymayrequireresolutionsofdisputesoverlandtenurerightsbetweenvillagesorbetweenvillagersofthesamevillage.

5.5.2 Disputesarisingbetweenvillagemembersshall,totheextentpossible, be resolved consistent with that villages’ customs.Wherecustomaryauthority isnotabletoresolvetheconflict,thenvillagersshallgotothetemporaryLandConflictResolutionCommitteeestablishedonacase-by-casebasistoresolvetheparticularlandconflict.Thecommitteewillbecomposedof5to7people(2-3females)intotal:localcustomaryauthorityfigure,the village administration head, 1-2 KAWU members (ifapplicable), and one representative each from woman’sorganization and youth organization. In consultationwith theKNUofficialattheapplicableadministrationlevel,villagerswillfirst approach authorities at the village level, and if not yetresolved,thenwilltakethecasetothenexthigheradministrationlevel,inthiscasethevillagetract,thentownship,thendistrictlevels.Attownshipadministrationlevelandabove,villagers,withlegalrepresentationbytheKAD,willsubmittheircasetothe

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KNUAuthorities’legalcourtsystem,whichwillalsoinvolveallother related departments (KJD, KFD, KMD, KFiD). At alladministrationlevels,villagersandauthoritieswillconsultwiththeCentralLandCommitteeandKarenAgriculturalWorkerUnion(KAWU).

5.5.3 Withrespecttodisputesbetweenvillages,alocallanddisputecommitteeshallbeestablishedconsistingoftheleadersoftheaffectedvillagesandrepresentativesoftheKarenAgriculturalWorkerUnion(KAWU),undertheFederationofTradeUnionofKawthoolei.Thecommitteeshouldstrivetoachieveconsensusandafairbalanceofthecompetingclaims,utilizingcustomarylawtotheextentrelevantandappropriate.Ifconsensusisnotachieved,orintownshipsthatdoesnotyethavesuchaUnion,themattermaybereferredtoadisputeresolutioncommittee,suchaswithintheCentralLandCommittee,KADand/orcourtatthetownshiplevel.

5.5.4 Alldisputesshouldberesolvedinafair,gender-sensitiveandaccessiblemanner,freeofconflictsofinterestsbythepartieschargedwiththeresponsibilitytoresolvedisputes.

5.5.5 LandtenuredisputesinvolvingclaimsbymanypeopleandthatcannotfirstberesolvedbycustomaryauthoritiesandtheKADwith the Central Land Committee shall be initiated at theTownshipLevelCourt.Ifthedisputeinvolvesalargebusinessor commercial project, the dispute should be referred forresolution to theDistrictLevelCourtand then to theCentralCourt.

5.5.6 Whileadisputeresolutionprocessispending,noactionshallbetakentoissueagrantofuserightswithrespecttothedisputedland.


CHAPTER 6: IMPLEMENTATION

Article 6.1 Training

6.1.1 To further the implementationof thematters included in thispolicy, the KNUAuthorities should develop plans for expertconsultationandtrainingintheestablishmentoflandregistries,includingtrainingprogramsforthepersonnelwhowilladministerthe Registries and personnel involved in documentationpreparationandmappingandsurveying.

6.1.2 It isrecognizedthattransformingfromalargelyinformallandtenuresystemtoamoreformalsystemiscomplex.Accordingly,itisaresponsibilityoftheKNUAuthoritiestoprepareandconducteducationalcampaignsamongthepeopleandtoplanforthetrainingoflaylegalassistancetohelpindividualsparticipateandhavetheadvantagesofamoreformalsystem.

6.1.3 Totheextentthatresourcespermit,Statesshouldensurethatcompetent bodies responsible for land, forests, fisheries andwaterhavethehuman,physical, financialandother formsofcapacity.Where responsibilities for tenure governance aredelegated, the recipients should receive training and othersupportsotheycanperformthoseresponsibilities.

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Article 6.2 Monitoring and evaluation

6.2.1 Issueswillnaturallyarisethatneedtobefurtherinvestigated,evaluated,monitoredandthenrespondedto.TheCentralLandCommittee’slanddisputeworkinggroupshalltaketheleadrole,in cooperation with the KAD, customary authorities and civilsocietyorganizations, toquickly respond to issues thatneedresolutionandon-goingmonitoringandevaluation.

6.2.2 States shouldmonitor the outcome of allocation programs,includingthegender-differentiatedimpactsonfoodsecurityandpovertyeradicationaswellastheirimpactsonsocial,economicandenvironmentalobjectives,andintroducecorrectivemeasuresasrequired.

6.2.3 TheCentralLandCommitteewillbethefocalpointforallegationsofcorruptionthroughtheircomplaintsmechanism,incooperationwith the KAD, customary authorities and civil societyorganizations.

ÀÀÀ

TheKNUExecutiveCommitteeMeetingapproved

thisLandPolicyinDecember2015


AbbreviationKNU-KarenNationalUnion

KAD-KarenAgricultureDepartment

KFD-KarenForestryDepartment

KJD-KarenJudicialDepartment

KFiD-KarenFisheriesDepartment

KAWU-KarenAgriculturalWorkerUnion

DOI-DepartmentofInterior

KNUEPC-KNUEnvironmentProtectionCommittee

FPIC-Free,PriorandInformedConsent

IAIA-InternationalAssociationforImpactAssessments

IDP-InternallyDisplacedPerson

Karen National Union – KNU Land Policy · 2016-07-05 · This Karen National Union (KNU) land...

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Transcript of Karen National Union – KNU Land Policy · 2016-07-05 · This Karen National Union (KNU) land...