Linda Mala Olul
Acting National Coordinator
Customary Land Management Office
The office of the Custom Land Management came into effect in 2014. It has replaced the former Lands Tribunal Act in 2013 and is under the Ministry of Justice and Community services.
The Parliament of Vanuatu has formalized the recognition of customary institutions termed ‘nakamals’ and ‘custom area land tribunals’ in the Custom Land Management Act that governs this office in, determining the rules of custom which form the basis of ownership and use of land in Vanuatu.
The final decisions reached by these customary institutions, when appropriately recorded, become recorded interests in land which are binding in law and are not subject to appeal to, or judicial review by, any Court of law.
The Custom Land Management Act allows for mediation to progress the resolution of land disputes, and for an Island Court (Land) to review the decisions of a nakamal or custom area land tribunal on grounds of an incorrect composition, improper process or fraud. These areas of review are matters of process and not substance within the meaning of Article 78 of the Constitution.
We hope you will find it to be informative and interesting to read. You can find out more by contacting us at our main office in Port Vila or at our provincial offices.
The Parliament of Vanuatu has formalized the recognition of customary institutions termed ‘nakamals’ and ‘custom area land tribunals’ in the Custom Land Management Act to determine the rules of custom which form the basis of ownership and use of land in Vanuatu.
The final decisions reached by these customary institutions, when appropriately recorded, become recorded interests in land which are binding in law and are not subject to appeal to, or judicial review by, any Court of law.
The Custom Land Management Act allows for mediation to progress the resolution of land disputes, and for an Island Court (Land) to review the decisions of a nakamal or custom area land tribunal on grounds of an incorrect composition, improper process or fraud.
These areas of review are matters of process and not substance within the meaning of Article 78 of the Constitution.
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The Purpose of this newsletter is to share information, News among our stakeholders. In addition, shares information of activities carried out by custom Land Management office.
