The CRLR is established in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, No. 22 of 1994 with powers to provide restoration of land rights and equitable redress in line with provisions of section 25 (7) of the Constitution,1996 (Act 108 of 1996). The aim of the CRLR is to be "leaders in the restitution of land rights to victims of racial land dispossession in a manner that ensures sustainable socio-economic development". Its mission is "to promote reconciliation by ensuring equity for victims of land dispossession by the state, through sustainable development initiatives and equitable redistribution of land'.