Thirty-four African human rights and environmental groups sent a letter to the World Bank this week expressing concerns with a weakening of the Bank’s social and environmental policy framework. The statement reiterates the inputs of African civil society groups who throughout the multi-year “Safeguards Review” have called for robust protections to prevent harm to communities and the environment in the context of development activities. The groups expressed disappointment that those inputs do not appear to have been taken on board. In response to assertions that human rights protections, including protections for the rights of indigenous peoples, may somehow be incompatible with African nations, the statement explains how such norms and safeguards are in fact rooted in regional law and practice. The World Bank will vote August 4th on whether to approve a new draft environmental and social policy framework. The groups appealed to the World Bank Board and its member countries to “take the concerns raised in the statement into consideration and ensure that the shortcomings in the safeguards draft are remedied so that our communities are able to benefit from development and are protected from harm.” Read the statement here.
African groups call on World Bank to strengthen protections
If you are in #Tbilisi, don't miss this beautiful art exhibition organised by @forum_adb showcasing some of the stories of communities across #Asia impacted by @ADB_HQ projects
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🌍 Join us for an insightful session on protecting people and the planet!
🌿 Forum is shedding light on CSO reflections regarding the @ADB_HQ Draft ESF and proposed changes in safeguards policy.
We'll discuss recommendations to safeguard project-affected individuals and…
🎨✨ In TBILISI now!
🌊 Explore a preview of our exhibition exposing the link between environmental degradation, social injustice, and human rights violations caused by @ADB_HQ projects.
With @ceebankwatch, @RightsinDevt, Green Alternative ✊🏽
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The Lower Sesan 2 Dam is being partly funded by ABBank, a financial intermediary (FI) client of the @IFC_org. Financial intermediaries represent the nexus between development finance and commercial banking.
Read about the Lower Sesan 2 Dam Project here: http://bit.ly/IFC_LowerSesan2