This guide summarizes international human rights standards applicable to involuntary displacement caused by public and private infrastructure and urbanization projects.

Up to one quarter of the world’s population is estimated to be landless, including 200 million
people living in rural areas,1
and approximately 75% of the world’s population living in extreme
poverty (less than $1/day) live in rural areas.2

Female-headed households often experience inequalities in access to resources and income-generating opportunities. Conflicts may make women poorer.

This is the first of a series of consultations on the human rights challenges and dilemmas involved in the
acquisition and use of land – held individually or collectively - for private or state-owned business and