Syria's new land law amounts to 'forced eviction': HRW

Human Rights Watch warned yesterday that Syria's new property law does not satisfy international standards and amounts to the "forced eviction" of vulnerable people unable to prove land ownership.

The controversial law, known as Decree 10, allows Syria's government to seize private property for zoned developments, compensating owners with shares.

The owners inevitably lose their property and can only claim shares if they prove ownership within 30 days after the zone is announced.

Yesterday, HRW said the law violates standards meant to protect owners from forced evictions set forth in the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

Decree 10 affects "property rights without due process or compensation, amounting to forced eviction and property seizure for owners whose property rights are not recognised," the rights group said.

The ICESCR stipulates that any property law provide for real consultation with those affected, adequate notice before the eviction date, and sound legal remedies.

"The law's 30-day period, as well as a right to appeal under Law 10 that does not halt the eviction until the appeal is decided, does not comply with these requirements," said HRW.