NRC adviser: Gaza housing rights recovery complicated by loss of land record

The destruction of cadastral archives in Gaza is severely complicating efforts to restore housing and land rights for the population, according to Lana Barreto, global shelter and settlements adviser at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

Speaking during the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), Barreto said that although land institutions and authorities in Gaza are gradually resuming operations to issue documentation to residents, the widespread loss of cadastral records is significantly limiting people’s ability to prove ownership and defend their housing rights, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media. 

She warned that repeated displacement could accelerate the emergence of informal settlements and contribute to urban degradation, potentially creating semi-permanent areas for displaced populations.

Barreto added that women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in these conditions due to the compounded impact of displacement and loss of documentation.

She stressed that recovery efforts must go beyond physical reconstruction of housing.

"Simply rebuilding homes will not restore the normal functioning of the city, social cohesion and community life. The population's housing and land rights must be guaranteed," Barreto said.

By Sabina Mammadli