RURAL LAND RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES UNDER ETHIOPIAN RURAL LAND LAWS: LEGAL AND PRACTICAL CHALLENGES

Abstract

This thesis examines rural land right of persons with disabilities under Ethiopian land laws from the view point of principles of land law, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and human rights. It used qualitative research method using relevant literature, rural land laws and policy, FDRE Constitution, human rights instruments, interview with experts and personal observation of the researcher. The thesis found that the current rural land rights of persons with disabilities is one of neglected issue and Ethiopian Rural Land Law is incompatible with principles of land law, Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities and international human rights instruments. To resolve this complicated problem, the Ethiopian land policy and land laws starting from Federal Constitution to Regional States land laws should be reviewed to make them compatible with CRPD. Regional States should abolish restrictive and discriminatory practices that violate the rural land rights of PWDS. CSOs and associations of PWDs should also Struggle to include the land right of PWDs in drafted comprehensive disability law. ,