Forced displacement often leads to the loss of land, homes and other property with serious consequences for individuals and communities, who as a result are deprived of their main source of physical and economic security. Disputes involving housing, land and property (HLP) are both a fundamental cause of conflict as well as a result arising in the aftermath of conflict and can pose obstacles to return, reintegration and reconciliation. These disputes pose immediate protection and early recovery challenges in humanitarian operations. If left unaddressed, disputes on HLP can undermine peace and re-fuel hostilities. In 2005, the Humanitarian Response Review identified protection of HLP rights as one of the major gaps in the humanitarian response system. Safeguarding HLP rights should form part of the protection strategy during all stages of displacement.