The Rights-Link Project
In 2013, the national economy of Lao PDR grew with 8.1 percent, in large part thanks to foreign direct investments in natural resources-based sectors such as mining, hydropower, and commercial agriculture. However, the surge of investments in natural resources has resulted in increased competition and conflicts over land and is adversely affecting the livelihoods of the rural population. In 2008, SDC launched the Rights-LINK project to improve the management of land and natural resources in Lao PDR.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Laos |
Governance
Decentralisation
Information and communication technology (ICT) |
01.06.2012
- 31.12.2016 |
CHF 2'455'000
|
- Educate and influence policy makers in the National Assembly of the Lao PDR and relevant ministries, so that they take into account equitable land use and related gender issues when making decisions.
- Establish dialogue spaces, where local communities’ voices can be heard and dialogue on land issues can take place.
- Educate at least 36,000 people on land rights and conflict resolution and improve the outcome of at least 20 land-related decisions, through developing and applying improved conflict resolution or prevention mechanisms.
- Ensure that at least 16,000 people, who experience land-related conflicts or threats, receive the appropriate support from civil society, government authorities, or both.
- Other international or foreign NGO North
- Village Focus International; National Land Management Authority, Lao PDR
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
COMMUNICATIONS
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Decentralisation and support to subnational government (incl. accountability)
Information and communication technology (ICT)
Type of support Official development assistance (ODA)
Type of collaboration Bilateral cooperation
Finance type Aid grant
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Tied/untied aid Untied aid
Project number 7F06296
| Background |
The majority of the Lao population relies on access to land and other natural resources for food and income, but commercial land concessions occupy more and more land: In 2012, an estimated five million hectares, 21 percent of the total land area, had been granted in concessions. While the country’s current economic growth results in new opportunities for employment, growing markets for agricultural products, and improved infrastructure and services, the rural population risks losing access to land and being deprived of their traditional livelihoods. Lao citizens have few options for participating in or seeking redress on land use decisions. The Rights-LINK project assumes that the core of the problem is lack of knowledge: both rights-holders (local communities) and duty-bearers (government and private sector) lack knowledge about land use rights, roles, and responsibilities. Rural people are often not familiar with the laws and regulations that would enable them to effectively negotiate land deals with government and investors. At the same time, ministries and sectors seldom coordinate when making decisions about allocation and use of land, preventing the Lao government from effectively managing land. SDC launched the Rights-LINK project in 2008. The project has demonstrated that it is possible to address the issue of land rights by educating rightsholders and duty-bearers. SDC launched a new project phase in 2012 and expects to expand the project target area to include not only Saravan, but also Xieng Khuang and Khammouane provinces. |
| Objectives |
The Rights-LINK project seeks to educate actors from government, civil society, the private sector, and local communities, particularly women and ethnic groups, and improve their capacity, knowledge, and access to decision making on land-related issues. Ultimately, the Rights-LINK project aims for local communities to be able to exercise their full land rights, including secure land tenure and the right to use their land in a sustainable and equitable manner. |
| Results |
Expected results: SDC expects that the Rights-LINK project, during its second phase, will continue to improve both rightsholders’ and duty-bearers’ capacity for informed and equitable land management in Lao PDR. Specifically, the project is expected to: Results from previous phases: Between 2008 and 2012, the Rights-LINK project gave stakeholders at both national and local levels better access to relevant information and knowledge about issues related to land and natural resources use, including legislation, rights, and conflict resolution mechanisms. As a result, communities in Saravan province became more aware of their rights, and duty-bearers were better equipped to manage land issues and conflicts. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Credit area |
Development cooperation |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 2'455'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 2'253'629 |
| Project phases |
Phase 2 01.06.2012 - 31.12.2016 (Completed) Phase 1 01.06.2008 - 31.03.2012 (Completed) |