Glossary

O

Outsourcing

This is passing economic activities involving raw material production or industrial production to the tertiary or service sector. These activities can include transport, communication, health or other services.


Overcrowding

This refers to excessive density of people inside the same dwelling or groups of people in an urban setting, which creates adverse conditions as regards mental and physical health (UN-HABITAT, 1992).


Ownership

The Civil Codes of Latin American countries define ownership in absolute terms as “the right to enjoy and have access to something with no limitations other than those established by law”. Ownership is recognized as a basic right, but it has been established that its social function will determine its content, according to the law. Along with the freedom of the holder, the limits of the exercise of rights must therefore also be stated in law, considering criteria separate from the particular benefit itself.


Ownership dispute resolution mechanisms

Conflict resolution mechanisms are mechanisms used to try to put an end to situations of tension and disputes between two or more players (individuals or groups) in relation to the use, enjoyment or ownership of land. They can be determined by the legal and social structures of each country. These mechanisms currently tend to be divided into formal, informal or alternate. Formal mechanisms are those provided by the legal system of the country, and informal mechanisms are derived from the social or religious organization to which individuals or groups can appeal.