General matters
3. Guiding principles of responsible tenure governance |
3.1.4
States should: Provide access to justice to deal with infringements of legitimate tenure rights. They should provide effective and accessible means to everyone, through judicial authorities or other approaches, to
resolve disputes over tenure rights; and to provide affordable and prompt enforcement of outcomes. States should provide prompt, just compensation where tenure rights are taken for public purposes. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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General matters
3. Guiding principles of responsible tenure governance |
3.1.4
States should: Provide access to justice to deal with infringements of legitimate tenure rights. They should provide effective and accessible means to everyone, through judicial authorities or other approaches, to
resolve disputes over tenure rights; and to provide affordable and prompt enforcement of outcomes. States should provide prompt, just compensation where tenure rights are taken for public purposes. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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General matters
3. Guiding principles of responsible tenure governance |
3.2
Non-state actors including business enterprises have a responsibility to respect human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should act with due diligence to avoid infringing on the human rights and
legitimate tenure rights of others. They should include appropriate risk management systems to prevent and address adverse impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should provide for
and cooperate in non-judicial mechanisms to provide remedy, including effective operational-level grievance mechanisms, where appropriate, where they have caused or contributed to adverse impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should identify and assess any actual or potential impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights in which they may be involved. States, in accordance with their international obligations, should provide access to effective judicial remedies for negative impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights by business enterprises. Where transnational corporations are involved, their home States have roles to play in assisting both those corporations and host States to ensure that businesses are not involved in abuse of human rights and legitimate tenure rights. States should take additional steps to protect against abuses of human rights and legitimate tenure rights by business enterprises that are owned or controlled by the State, or that receive substantial support and service from State agencies. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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General matters
3. Guiding principles of responsible tenure governance |
3.2
Non-state actors including business enterprises have a responsibility to respect human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should act with due diligence to avoid infringing on the human rights and
legitimate tenure rights of others. They should include appropriate risk management systems to prevent and address adverse impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should provide for
and cooperate in non-judicial mechanisms to provide remedy, including effective operational-level grievance mechanisms, where appropriate, where they have caused or contributed to adverse impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights. Business enterprises should identify and assess any actual or potential impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights in which they may be involved. States, in accordance with their international obligations, should provide access to effective judicial remedies for negative impacts on human rights and legitimate tenure rights by business enterprises. Where transnational corporations are involved, their home States have roles to play in assisting both those corporations and host States to ensure that businesses are not involved in abuse of human rights and legitimate tenure rights. States should take additional steps to protect against abuses of human rights and legitimate tenure rights by business enterprises that are owned or controlled by the State, or that receive substantial support and service from State agencies. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Legal recognition and allocation of tenure rights and duties
7. Safeguards |
7.3
Where States intend to recognize or allocate tenure rights, they should first identify all existing tenure rights and right holders, whether recorded or not. Indigenous peoples and other communities with customary tenure systems, smallholders and anyone else who could be affected should be included in the consultation process, consistent with paragraphs 3B.6 and 9.9. States should provide access to justice, consistent with paragraph 4.9 if people believe their tenure rights are not recognized. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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Legal recognition and allocation of tenure rights and duties
7. Safeguards |
7.3
Where States intend to recognize or allocate tenure rights, they should first identify all existing tenure rights and right holders, whether recorded or not. Indigenous peoples and other communities with customary tenure systems, smallholders and anyone else who could be affected should be included in the consultation process, consistent with paragraphs 3B.6 and 9.9. States should provide access to justice, consistent with paragraph 4.9 if people believe their tenure rights are not recognized. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Transfers and other changes to tenure rights and duties
12. Investments |
12.14
States and affected parties should contribute to the effective monitoring of the implementation and impacts of agreements involving large-scale transactions in tenure rights, including acquisitions and partnership agreements. States should take corrective action where necessary to
enforce agreements and protect tenure and other rights and provide mechanisms whereby aggrieved parties can request such action. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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Transfers and other changes to tenure rights and duties
12. Investments |
12.14
States and affected parties should contribute to the effective monitoring of the implementation and impacts of agreements involving large-scale transactions in tenure rights, including acquisitions and partnership agreements. States should take corrective action where necessary to
enforce agreements and protect tenure and other rights and provide mechanisms whereby aggrieved parties can request such action. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Transfers and other changes to tenure rights and duties
14. Restitution |
14.4
States should develop gender-sensitive policies and laws that provide for clear, transparent processes for restitution. Information on restitution procedures should be widely disseminated in applicable languages.
Claimants should be provided with adequate assistance, including through legal and paralegal aid, throughout the process. States should ensure that restitution claims are promptly processed. Where necessary, successful claimants should be provided with support services so that they can enjoy their tenure rights and fulfil their duties. Progress of implementation should be widely publicized |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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Transfers and other changes to tenure rights and duties
14. Restitution |
14.4
States should develop gender-sensitive policies and laws that provide for clear, transparent processes for restitution. Information on restitution procedures should be widely disseminated in applicable languages.
Claimants should be provided with adequate assistance, including through legal and paralegal aid, throughout the process. States should ensure that restitution claims are promptly processed. Where necessary, successful claimants should be provided with support services so that they can enjoy their tenure rights and fulfil their duties. Progress of implementation should be widely publicized |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Transfers and other changes to tenure rights and duties
15. Redistributive reforms |
15.9
States should implement redistributive reforms through transparent, participatory and accountable approaches and procedures. All affected
parties should be accorded with due process and just compensation according to national law and the provisions of Section 16. All affected
parties, including disadvantaged groups, should receive full and clear information on the reforms, including through gender-targeted messages.
Beneficiaries should be selected through open processes, and they should receive secure tenure rights that are publicly recorded. Access to means of resolving disputes should be provided for under national law. States should endeavour to prevent corruption in redistributive reform programmes, particularly through greater transparency and participation. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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Transfers and other changes to tenure rights and duties
15. Redistributive reforms |
15.9
States should implement redistributive reforms through transparent, participatory and accountable approaches and procedures. All affected
parties should be accorded with due process and just compensation according to national law and the provisions of Section 16. All affected
parties, including disadvantaged groups, should receive full and clear information on the reforms, including through gender-targeted messages.
Beneficiaries should be selected through open processes, and they should receive secure tenure rights that are publicly recorded. Access to means of resolving disputes should be provided for under national law. States should endeavour to prevent corruption in redistributive reform programmes, particularly through greater transparency and participation. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Administration of tenure
19. Taxation |
19.3
States should administer taxes efficiently and transparently. Staff of implementing agencies should receive training that includes methodologies. Taxes should be based on appropriate values. Assessments
of valuations and taxable amounts should be made public. States should provide taxpayers with a right to appeal against valuations. States should endeavour to prevent corruption in taxation administration, through increased transparency in the use of objectively assessed values. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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Administration of tenure
19. Taxation |
19.3
States should administer taxes efficiently and transparently. Staff of implementing agencies should receive training that includes methodologies. Taxes should be based on appropriate values. Assessments
of valuations and taxable amounts should be made public. States should provide taxpayers with a right to appeal against valuations. States should endeavour to prevent corruption in taxation administration, through increased transparency in the use of objectively assessed values. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Administration of tenure
21. Resolution of disputes over tenure rights |
21.1
States should provide access through impartial and competent judicial and administrative bodies to timely, affordable and effective means of resolving disputes over tenure rights, including alternative means of
resolving such disputes, and should provide effective remedies and a right to appeal. Such remedies should be promptly enforced. States should make available, to all, mechanisms to avoid or resolve potential disputes
at the preliminary stage, either within the implementing agency or externally. Dispute resolution services should be accessible to all, women and men, in terms of location, language and procedures. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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Administration of tenure
21. Resolution of disputes over tenure rights |
21.1
States should provide access through impartial and competent judicial and administrative bodies to timely, affordable and effective means of resolving disputes over tenure rights, including alternative means of
resolving such disputes, and should provide effective remedies and a right to appeal. Such remedies should be promptly enforced. States should make available, to all, mechanisms to avoid or resolve potential disputes
at the preliminary stage, either within the implementing agency or externally. Dispute resolution services should be accessible to all, women and men, in terms of location, language and procedures. |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Administration of tenure
21. Resolution of disputes over tenure rights |
21.6
In providing dispute resolution mechanisms, States should strive to provide legal assistance to vulnerable and marginalized persons to ensure safe access for all to justice without discrimination. Judicial authorities and other bodies should ensure that their staff have the necessary skills and competencies to provide such services |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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Administration of tenure
21. Resolution of disputes over tenure rights |
21.6
In providing dispute resolution mechanisms, States should strive to provide legal assistance to vulnerable and marginalized persons to ensure safe access for all to justice without discrimination. Judicial authorities and other bodies should ensure that their staff have the necessary skills and competencies to provide such services |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Responses to climate change and emergencies
25. Conflicts in respect to tenure of land, fisheries and forests |
25.6
Where restitution is not possible, the provision of secure access to alternative land, fisheries and forests and livelihoods for refugees and displaced persons should be negotiated with host communities and other
relevant parties to ensure that the resettlement does not jeopardize the livelihoods of others. Special procedures should, where possible, provide the vulnerable, including widows and orphans, with secure access to land,
fisheries and forests |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
Human rights noteThe aspect of consistency with international and national legal obligations is related to the Rule of law as a principle of governance: All persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. It requires measures to ensure adherence to the principles of supremacy of the law, equality before the law, accountability to the law, fairness in the application of the law, separation of powers, participation in decision-making, legal certainty, avoidance of arbitrariness, and procedural and legal transparency (https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/what-is-the-rule-of-law/).
As clarified by the HRC, the right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial encompasses the right of access to courts and tribunals. See HRC, general comment no. 32. |
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6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
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Responses to climate change and emergencies
25. Conflicts in respect to tenure of land, fisheries and forests |
25.6
Where restitution is not possible, the provision of secure access to alternative land, fisheries and forests and livelihoods for refugees and displaced persons should be negotiated with host communities and other
relevant parties to ensure that the resettlement does not jeopardize the livelihoods of others. Special procedures should, where possible, provide the vulnerable, including widows and orphans, with secure access to land,
fisheries and forests |
Right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law
Human rights noteThe aspect of consistency with international and national legal obligations is related to the Rule of law as a principle of governance: All persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. It requires measures to ensure adherence to the principles of supremacy of the law, equality before the law, accountability to the law, fairness in the application of the law, separation of powers, participation in decision-making, legal certainty, avoidance of arbitrariness, and procedural and legal transparency (https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/what-is-the-rule-of-law/).
As clarified by the HRC, the right to equality before courts and tribunals and to a fair trial encompasses the right of access to courts and tribunals. See HRC, general comment no. 32. |
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7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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