ABSTRACT
Regularization and upgrading can, of course, take various forms, and initiatives that provide some measure of security without necessarily involving the provision of individual freehold titles are commonplace. For instance, some regularization efforts simply recognize the status quo, thus removing the threat of eviction, but not providing formal security of tenure to dwellers in the community. Such efforts, which are often more motivated by the possibility of a positive political spin for the government concerned than the rights of those affected, can be easily overturned and generally can only offer temporary protection, without the accrual of legally recognized rights. A second form of regularization is the recognition of various forms of interim or occupancy rights without the provision of formal tenure. This is a more intensive approach, which provides a higher degree of protection than simply recognizing current realities and also strengthens the negotiating possibilities of the residents of the settlement concerned.
