Editor's note

Zoe Murton

I moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2017. Before arriving, I did some reading about the history of the country. 

Back in the 1880s, King Leopold of Belgium decided to take the land now known as DRC for himself. He sent an explorer to make ‘treaties’ with the local chiefs, who often did not understand what they were signing. The treaties involved them giving away the land their people were living on, sometimes for as little as a few beads or brass rods. King Leopold then forced the local people to work as slaves, harvesting rubber and other natural resources for him. They were treated brutally and reduced to terrible poverty. 

As brave individuals within and outside of Congo began to realise what was happening, they launched an international campaign. They raised awareness of the injustices being committed and called for change. Eventually, King Leopold was forced to give up his control of the country in 1908.  

I have been reflecting on the history of DRC while preparing this edition on land rights. Sadly, we still live in a world where ‘land grabs’ are common. But thankfully, there are still brave individuals standing up against corruption and greed, fighting for the land rights of vulnerable people. 

This edition looks at why secure land rights are important in order for individuals and communities to thrive. It features an inspirational story from Honduras about indigenous communities gaining land rights after 25 years of advocacy. We include ideas for resolving conflicts over land, and advice on how to handle an investor approaching your community. We look at ways of working towards women’s land rights and methods for improving slums.  

Land rights are incredibly complex. Often there may be no straightforward solutions, or it may take many years to achieve fair outcomes. But secure land rights are central to helping to release people from poverty around the world. As we continue to reflect on the biblical concept of jubilee for Tearfund’s 50th birthday, we need to remember that a fair distribution of land was always part of God’s plan for the world.

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