URB-B.06.D - Tenure Rights Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
Does the company have mechanisms in place for resolving conflicts that may arise in the course of dealing with tenure rights holders?
About the data
The WBA Urban Benchmark measures and ranks the world's most influential companies on their efforts to shape sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban environments, tracking how companies address essential urban needs while respecting planetary boundaries across dimensions including decent work and human rights, environmental and climate impacts, social inclusion, and sustainability leadership. The 2026 edition assessed 300 companies across four key industries shaping urban environments: real estate, construction and engineering, transport, and utilities. Companies were scored on 24 urban-specific indicators plus 18 core social indicators, spanning four measurement areas: sustainable governance, inclusive cities, healthy cities, and climate change and resilient cities. The benchmark is designed to incentivise the private sector to take adequate responsibility for its role in ensuring affordable, safe and inclusive urban environments for all. More information can be found here.
Methodology
Land and property are crucial assets, forming the foundation for economic activity and
providing residents with livelihood opportunities. In urban settings, they enable access to employment
opportunities and can enhance access to credit (Hudson, 2017; Deininger, 2003). Conversely,
insecurity of tenure can impair households' ability to earn livelihoods and enjoy a good quality of life,
which could translate to dilapidated, unkempt neighbourhoods and slum areas (Hudson, 2017). Urban
companies can address this by respecting diverse land rights, conducting due diligence on the impact
of their developments on local land uses and adhering to land use laws, in turn bolstering security of
tenure. The real estate and utilities sectors can further enhance tenure security by providing users with
legally recognisable documentation during transactions, which can be used to support people's claims
over land and property.
Research Guidance
The company implements and discloses specific mechanisms designed for resolving conflicts that have arise or may arise with tenure rights holders.
These mechanisms must be accessible to tenure rights holders and should clearly outline how they address tenure-related conflicts.
A general grievance or conflict resolution mechanism available to all external parties is not sufficient, unless it explicitly addresses land and tenure-related issues and is demonstrably tailored to the needs and context of tenure rights holders.
Examples of accepted mechanisms include:
A land-related grievance mechanism co-developed with local communities, that includes steps for land conflict resolution and timelines for response.
A dedicated tenure conflict resolution committee with community representation and clearly defined protocols for addressing disputes.
Unaccepted examples include:
General contact us form or hotline for any stakeholder issue.
Grievance mechanism that does not mention land, tenure, or community access rights.
providing residents with livelihood opportunities. In urban settings, they enable access to employment
opportunities and can enhance access to credit (Hudson, 2017; Deininger, 2003). Conversely,
insecurity of tenure can impair households' ability to earn livelihoods and enjoy a good quality of life,
which could translate to dilapidated, unkempt neighbourhoods and slum areas (Hudson, 2017). Urban
companies can address this by respecting diverse land rights, conducting due diligence on the impact
of their developments on local land uses and adhering to land use laws, in turn bolstering security of
tenure. The real estate and utilities sectors can further enhance tenure security by providing users with
legally recognisable documentation during transactions, which can be used to support people's claims
over land and property.
Research Guidance
The company implements and discloses specific mechanisms designed for resolving conflicts that have arise or may arise with tenure rights holders.
These mechanisms must be accessible to tenure rights holders and should clearly outline how they address tenure-related conflicts.
A general grievance or conflict resolution mechanism available to all external parties is not sufficient, unless it explicitly addresses land and tenure-related issues and is demonstrably tailored to the needs and context of tenure rights holders.
Examples of accepted mechanisms include:
A land-related grievance mechanism co-developed with local communities, that includes steps for land conflict resolution and timelines for response.
A dedicated tenure conflict resolution committee with community representation and clearly defined protocols for addressing disputes.
Unaccepted examples include:
General contact us form or hotline for any stakeholder issue.
Grievance mechanism that does not mention land, tenure, or community access rights.
License
Topics
Framework Mappings
Value Type
Category
Options
Yes
No
Not Applicable
Assessment
Steward Assessed
Report Type
Aggregate Data Report