Islamabad, The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has unveiled two pivotal reports aimed at bolstering flood resilience and protecting the housing, land, and property rights (HLP) of affected populations in Pakistan. The launch event featured insights from key figures including Ahmad Kamal of the Federal Flood Commission and representatives from various supporting organizations, underscoring a collaborative effort towards sustainable recovery and resilience building in flood-prone areas.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the reports titled ‘Climate Resilient Settlement Planning’ and ‘Protection of Housing, Land, and Property Rights (HLP) for Flood Affected Populations’ were introduced by Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Habitat Programme Manager at UN-Habitat. The former provides a comprehensive analysis of flood causes and advocates for climate-resilient settlement planning across multiple governance levels. The latter focuses on establishing a support network of trained legal professionals and activists to assist communities in securing their HLP rights post-disaster.

The initiative is a response to the catastrophic floods of 2022, aiming to lay the groundwork for informed, evidence-based planning and rights protection strategies. Mr. Ahmad Kamal highlighted the importance of these efforts in mitigating disaster impacts, particularly on vulnerable groups such as women and marginalized communities. Dr. Tanveer Ahmad from UNHCR stressed the significance of integrating housing rights within broader climate resilience strategies, praising the establishment of People’s Support Forums (PSFs) for enhancing stakeholder engagement in advocating for HLP rights.

Contributions from partners like SPHF, Catholic Relief Services, and SHRRP indicate a strong multi-agency commitment to addressing the challenges faced by flood-affected populations. The reports emphasize the need for planned settlements that not only secure HLP rights but also ensure long-term resilience against future disasters. This collaborative endeavor represents a critical step towards sustainable development and disaster preparedness in Pakistan, highlighting the crucial role of informed planning and legal support in fostering community resilience.