At a time when millions of displaced persons and refugees forced to flee their homes and lands because of armed conflicts and authoritarian regimes are struggling to return to their original homes, the complex issues involved in this process require thoughtful examination. This volume is a unique effort to cover the topic of the restitution of housing and property in light of lessons learned in the Balkans, South Africa, East Timor, and in a range of other countries that have made the shift from conflict to peace. Individual chapters by authors with direct experience dealing with housing and property restitution in particular contexts will bring into focus the legal and human rights aspects of this question.
Several chapters deal with unresolved restitution cases, all of which will require resolution sooner or later, including in Georgia, Turkey, and for specific groups including Palestinian refugees, indigenous peoples and the internally displaced themselves.

Housing and property restitution is now viewed as an essential element of post-conflict reconstruction. It is a primary means of reversing ‘ethnic cleansing’ and vital to securing a war-torn nation’s future stability. All parties involved in human rights, refugee assistance, post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation, and property rights will find this volume to be an indispensable resource.

English