Resource information
Land grabbing and speculation, which can both manifest in a multitude of forms, are
unfortunate, often-inter-twined, yet common practices in countries undergoing structural
political transition. If unchecked, unregulated, or unintentionally encouraged by the very
governments that replace formerly authoritarian regimes, these two land realities can serve to
undermine democratic reforms, entrench economic and political privilege and seriously harm
the human rights prospects of those affected, in particular internationally recognised housing,
land and property (HLP) rights. Land grabbing and speculation can increase inequality, harm
economic prospects and create conditions where social tensions and even violence may
become inevitable. Unless law and policy explicitly address the negative consequences of
these practices, land grabbing and speculation can erode citizen confidence in government,
reduce incomes and livelihoods and increase poverty and broad declines in a range of vital
social indicators.
And yet, there is nothing inevitable or inherent about the inequitable acquisition and control
of ever-larger quantities of land in fewer and fewer hands. Indeed, governments wishing to
protect the HLP rights of rural and urban dwellers and properly regulate the land acquisition
and transfer process can succeed in reducing the prevalence of both land grabbing and
speculation, improve the human rights prospects of current landholders and ultimately
strengthen both democratic processes and macro-economic perspectives.
It is clear that these issues are affecting Myanmar at the moment, and that it is up to the
Government to take steps to address these problems in a fair, effective and equitable manner
Twelve possible steps that the Government may wish to consider, include:...
