A recent report supported by the United Nations has alarming findings indicating that over a billion people, almost one in four adults worldwide, fear the potential loss of their land and housing rights within the next five years. This concern highlights the urgent need for stronger political commitment and the implementation of inclusive policies related to land rights, particularly in the context of pressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity protection, gender equality, and rural transformation.

Despite significant progress in formulating national and international frameworks regarding land policy over the last two decades, particularly in Africa, the report underscores that achieved milestones remain inadequate. More than 70 countries have initiated land reform efforts, aimed at improving the governance of land, fisheries, and forests. Nevertheless, the report reveals that only 35 percent of the world's land ownership, tenure, or use rights are formally documented, which illustrates the persistent challenges regarding land insecurity and the disparities in land rights.

This situation poses serious implications not just for the individuals facing land insecurity but also for broader societies and economies. As climate change impacts continue to grow and the push for sustainable development intensifies, addressing the challenges of land rights and insecurity emerges as a critical factor for achieving social equity and safeguarding communities from displacement. Policymakers are called upon to prioritize land rights as part of their broader strategies to combat inequality and foster sustainable development.