Oct 19, 2021 by CHRD

Public Development Banks Fail to Meet Commitments to Human Rights & Community-led Development

By Siddharth Akali October 16, 2021 – If you had two trillion dollars, how would you spend it? Will you use it to make the world a better place? How will you know you’re making a positive impact for those who are most vulnerable? Who will you ask for advice? For the 500 public development banks (PDB

Oct 18, 2021 by members

Development banks have no business financing agribusiness

On October 18, ahead of the second edition of the Finance in Common (FIC) summit, over 280 civil society organizations and grassroots groups – including many members and allies of the Coalition for Human Rights in Development – have signed a letter calling on public development banks

Sep 10, 2021 by CHRD

Open letter to African Development Bank and Nordic Development Fund: Address reprisals against Paten Clan

On September 9, a group of organizations sent an open letter to the African Development Bank and the Nordic Development Fund, calling on them to take immediate actions to address reprisals against a community in Uganda impacted by the Wadelai irrigation project.

Jul 19, 2021 by CHRD

Unhealthy Silence: Development banks’ inaction on retaliation during COVID-19

On Tuesday July 27 (1 pm UTC time) join us for a webinar where we will launch the report "Unhealthy Silence" and present its key findings.

Apr 30, 2021 by CHRD

IDB Invest and IFC’s new guidance on reprisals: a welcome step, but more is needed

In March 2020, IDB Invest and IFC’s released a new guidance which lays out 10 steps companies should take to screen, prevent and respond to reprisals. In this blog, Hannah Storey analyses the document and explains why, although this is a welcome and important step, much more is needed to truly tackle reprisals.

Apr 19, 2021 by CHRD

Safety of journalists, COVID-19, and the role of public development banks

On 16 April 2021, as part of the Defenders in Development campaign, the Coalition presented a joint submission – together with press freedom organizations Article19, Comittee to Protect Journalists and IFEX – to the UN Human Rights Council for their upcoming report on Covid-19 and j

Mar 17,2021

Mar 17, 2021 by members

Covid-19 response in Myanmar: civil society organizations urge IFIs not to collaborate with the junta

International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and States must work directly with civil society and other stakeholders on COVID-19: collaborating with the junta on public health would jeopardize Myanmar’s COVID-19 response, legitimize the junta, and harm public health in the long term. On 17 Ma

Mar 02,2021

Mar 02, 2021 by members

Too little, too late: World Bank rents military land despite partial loans freeze, and MFI inaction risks legitimizing the junta

Myanmar’s nationwide civil disobedience movement (CDM), based on “no recognition, no participation,” is key to stopping the military from consolidating power after its 1 February 2021 coup d’état. Multilateral finance institutions (MFIs) must support the CDM, stating they will not deal with

Nov 30, 2020 by CHRD

Global Summit of Development Banks Fails to Learn from Destructive Past

In November, 450 public development banks from around the world met for the Finance in Common Summit at the Paris Peace Forum. They gathered to discuss how they can direct their combined investments of over USD 2 trillion – 10% of total investments in the world – “to support the transformation or the

Oct 08, 2020 by CHRD

Covid-19, development finance and attacks against journalists

Around the world, journalists, bloggers, medical workers, human rights defenders and all those who are raising concerns for the inadequate response to the Covid-19 pandemic are under attack. In an attempt to silence their dissenting voices, they are being accused of spreading false informatio

Jun 26, 2020 by CHRD

The Pandemic’s Hidden Casualty: Human Rights

The lush forests of the Sierra Madre mountain range, on the Philippine island of Luzon, have been home to the Dumagat-Remontados indigenous peoples for centuries. But their ancestral lands are now under threat. In this area, the Philippine government is planning to build the Kaliwa Dam, despite

May 13, 2020 by CHRD

Article: Impacts of COVID19 on Frontline Communities Resisting Internationally Financed Development Projects

The Coalition uncovered several trends on how COVID-19 measures are impacting frontline communities opposing internationally financed development projects. Using data provided by its community engagement partners and allies, the Coalition found common trends among communities from Asia

Jan 29, 2020 by members

New Report: Frontline Defenders Global Analysis 2019

Coalition member Frontline Defenders released its Global Analysis 2019,  a report reviewing the state of the world for human rights defenders in 2019.  The report details the physical assaults, defamation campaigns, digital security threats, judicial harassment, and gendered attacks faced

Oct 22, 2019 by CHRD

Webinar: Attacks Against Defenders and the Role of Development Banks

Join us for a Webinar October 30 to discuss the report “Uncalculated Risks: Threats and attacks against human rights defenders and the role of development financiers”. This groundbreaking report from the Defenders in Development Campaign uses 25 case studies from around the globe

Oct 10, 2019 by members

Environmental Activists at Mercy of Business at All Costs

Environmental activists at mercy of business at all costs - new report shows how investors must take action

Jun 04, 2019 by CHRD

PRESS RELEASE: New Report Reveals Uncalculated Risks to Defenders in Development

From Colombia to Kenya, 25 cases of threats and attacks against human rights defenders reveal how development financiers can fuel abuses or help fight them JUNE 4, 2019 – A new report from the Coalition for Human Rights in Development and the Defenders in Development Campaign reveals the ala

Jun 04, 2019 by CHRD

“Uncalculated Risks” exposes threats and attacks against defenders in development

Together with the Defenders in Development Campaign, we launched today the new report “Uncalculated Risks: Threats and attacks against human rights defenders and the role of development financiers.” With 25 case studies from around the world, the report exposes the risks of megap

Mar 01, 2019 by members

Celebrating a historic win today for human rights and accountability!

The U.S. Supreme Court decided today that international organizations like the World Bank Group can be sued in U.S. courts for violating the human rights of local communities. Congratulations to the fishing and farming communities of Gujarat India, Machimar Adhikaar Sangharsh Sangathan fishe

Jan 21, 2019 by members

IAP produces Community Action Guides with local activists and partners

International Accountability Project (IAP) released a new set of community guides to help communities conduct their own research and in the process define their development priorities and aspirations. The “Community Action Guide on Community-Led Research” set of 3 booklets provides clear an

Sep 06, 2018 by CHRD

Join the Defenders in Development Campaign!

Around the world, as megaprojects and investments are imposed on communities without their consent or consultation, those working to protect their lands and resources, fight corruption, and defend human rights are under increasing attack.   For this reason, the Coalition for Human Rights in

Jun 26,2018

200 groups gathered in Mumbai criticize Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank AIIB

200 groups gathered in Mumbai criticize Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as following same paradigm as traditional IFIs, promoting corporate globalisation and neoliberal economic reforms that benefit elite at the cost of the poor. Read the complete Mumbai Resolution on Infrastruc

May 22, 2018 by CHRD

Press Release: CSOs Urge AfDB to Promote the Interests of Ordinary Africans over Mega Investors at its Annual Meetings

As the African Development Bank (AfDB) meets in Busan, South Korea from May 21-25 to discuss Industrialising Africa, Civil society Organisations (CSOs) from across the continent red flagged the Bank’s steer towards mega investments without a clear action plan for human centred inclusive development.

Mar 01,2018

LAC P10: A Legally Binding Agreement to Improve Environmental Democracy and Protect Defenders

From February 28, 2018 to March 4, 2018 in Costa Rica, countries and civil society groups are negotiating the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, also known as LAC P10. If adopted a

Jan 11,2018

LAC groups call for increased transparency in the framework of the EITI initiative

Civil society representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean participating in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), held meetings from 28 to 30 November 2017 in Santo Domingo – Dominican Republic in the framework of the “EITI Regional Workshop in Latin

Dec 15, 2017 by CHRD

Communiqué from the Development and Investment in Africa Workshop

12-13 NOVEMBER 2017 PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA This is a communiqué reflecting the outcomes of the Development and Investment in Africa Workshop held on 12-13 November 2017 in Pretoria, South Africa, and organized by the Coalition for Human Rights in Development together with African Coalition for

Dec 11, 2017 by CHRD

A Dangerous Enterprise: Development Finance and the Fight for Human Rights

[This article was originally published online in July in Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales’ 2017 Environmental Report. It is being reposted here in honor of Human Rights Day]   Across Latin America and the world, governments and investors are pushing for a dramatic increase in

Oct 30, 2017 by CHRD

UN report calls on development banks to address attacks on human rights defenders

A UN report released last week (Oct. 25) highlights the growing attacks on human rights defenders in the context of business and investment activities, including development finance. “Through their financing and technical support, a complex range of public and private institutions continue t

Sep 27, 2017 by CHRD

Webinar: Demystifying Development Banks in Asia

On September 26, 2017, the Coalition for Human Rights in Development co-hosted a ‘Demystifying Development Banks’ webinar with a special focus on Asia, where many countries have been shown to be among the most dangerous for human rights and environmental defenders who confront infrastructure

Sep 08,2017

New Development Bank is BRICS’ best card

According to Caio Borges, Prof. Karin Costa Vazquez and Supriya Roychoudhury, if question marks on the future of BRICS are repeatedly raised, the New Development Bank (NDB) is probably the most concrete avenue through which the grouping can deepen co-operation. The NDB’s stated commitment to su

Sep 08,2017

BRICS Leaders encourage NDB to fully leverage its role & enhance coop. w/WB & AIIB

The ninth annual BRICS summit, was held last 3–5 September 2017 in Xiamen, China and was attended by the heads of state or heads of government of the five member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In the BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration, BRICS leaders encouraged the NDB to fully le

Jul 10,2017

FMO and Finnfund officially withdraw from Agua Zarca project

Two of the primary backers of the Agua Zarca hydropower dam project in Honduras have officially announced their exit from the project following years of campaigning by local indigenous groups and criticism from international civil society organizations. In a press release issued on July 6, the D

Jul 07, 2017 by CHRD

Presentation: The Private Sector in Development

Coalition Coordinator, Gretchen Gordon, recently participated in a webinar hosted by the CIVICUS World Alliance for the launch of their report, ‘State of Civil Society 2017.’ Gordon’s presentation, based on her guest essay accompanying the report, focused on how the private sector is playing a

Jun 29, 2017 by members

Report: World Bank linked to forced labor in Uzbekistan

The World Bank is providing cover for a government system of child labor and forced labor in Uzbekistan, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch and the Uzbek-German Forum for Human Rights. The report, “‘We Can’t Refuse to Pick Cotton’: Forced and Child Labor Linked to World Bank Group Inve

Mar 08, 2017 by CHRD

Impact Report 2016

Read the full report: English | Spanish | French Partnering with Communities to Defend Human Rights In 2016 the Coalition engaged in partnerships with communities around the world to connect community struggles with strategic resources and campaign support and to bring community expertis

Feb 14, 2017 by CHRD

Organizations call on the World Bank to Protect Indigenous Rights

This week 32 organizations called on the World Bank Board of Directors to urge them to ensure that the Bank takes all measures necessary to remedy harm caused to four Maasai villages displaced to make way for the Olkaria IV geothermal project in Kenya. The Kenya Electricity Expansion Project (KEEP)

Jan 23,2017

Groups call for EBRD to reject an oil and gas project in Turkmenistan

Crude Accountability and civil society groups around the world are calling on the Directors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to reject financing for an oil and gas project in Turkmenistan. The $30 million loan to Circle Maritime Invest (CMI) for the CMI Offshore proj

Dec 08, 2016 by CHRD

Time for Development Financiers to #Standup4HumanRights

Global groups call for action to protect human rights in development Ahead of Human Rights Day, December 10th, the Coalition for Human Rights in Development joins with over 50 civil society groups around the world to call on financial institutions, governments and businesses to stand up for human

Dec 02, 2016 by members

Groups call on OPIC to strengthen human rights due diligence

This month, 18 human rights and environmental organizations called on the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the United States’ development finance institution, to strengthen its human rights due diligence. OPIC is presently revising its social and environmental polic

Nov 16, 2016 by CHRD

Coalition Urges Dutch Development Bank to Strengthen Human Rights Protections

The Coalition for Human Rights in Development this week called on the Dutch Development Bank FMO to strengthen its commitment to human rights and to enact strong due diligence requirements to ensure that human rights are respected within FMO-financed activities. FMO is presently revising its Su

Aug 23, 2016 by members

World Bank covers up human rights abuses in Nepal

In a recent blog titled “World Bank Covers Up Human Rights Abuses in Nepal: Silencing Community Voices“, the Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP) together with Coalition member Accountability Counsel  calls out the World Bank for ignori

Jul 27,2016

UN Expert: it’s time for development banks to start listening

In an opinion piece in Foreign Policy magazine, Maina Kiai, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, explains how the goal of sustainable development is under threat from growing restrictions on public participation in development and closing civ

Jul 21, 2016 by members

Activism in Macedonia: ‘Intimidation is just the tip of the iceberg’

Environmental activists and civil society groups in Macedonia working to defend their rights in the face of harmful development projects financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other development banks, are increasingly threatened and harassed. In an article

Jul 12, 2016 by members

Uzbekistan: Forced Labor Linked to World Bank Corporate Loan

Coalition member Human Rights Watch reports that three human rights defenders have lodged a formal complaint against the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding forced labor in the Uzbek cotton industry. The complaint demands an investigation of forced labor l

Jun 27,2016

World Bank Should Champion Human Rights

The New York Times editorial board today called on the World Bank to “champion human rights” through its new safeguards policy framework presently under consideration by the Bank’s board of directors. The Times cited that despite the fact that the institution’s own re

Jun 21,2016

Al-Haq calls on World Bank to strengthen protection in conflict-affected areas

On June 16th, the Palestinian human rights organization, Al-Haq, urged the World Bank to explicitly address the need for human rights safeguards for investments in conflict-affected areas during the Bank’s ongoing safeguard policy reform process. The Bank has announced plans to increase inve

Jun 02, 2016 by members

Financial Crisis at Inter-American Commission

Coalition member ESCR-Net is calling on leaders of OAS member states to address the financial crisis currently hindering the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ ability to operate as a key regional human rights mechanism. The crisis has already caused the IACHR to suspend its 159th and 16

Jun 01,2016

Honduran Social Movements Urge World Bank to Stop Fueling Human Rights Violations

Honduran social movements and indigenous peoples organizations this week called on the World Bank to in light of persistent attacks on human rights defenders, suspend financing in Honduras “until there are minimally just and realistic conditions for indigenous and small farming

May 26, 2016 by members

Civil Society Declaration at the 51st African Development Bank Annual Meetings

African civil society groups, including Coalition member Lumière Synergie pour le Développement, called on the African Development Bank this week to increase its accountability and engagement with civil society and to embrace pro-poor investment strategies that support public sector servi

May 22,2016

UN Indigenous Peoples Experts Challenge World Bank

May 20, 2016 – The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other top UN indigenous peoples experts sent a letter Friday to World Bank President Jim Kim and the Bank’s executive directors, challenging a proposal that would weaken protections for indigenou

May 11, 2016 by members

Securing Forest Peoples Rights in DRC

Coalition member Forest Peoples Programme has released a report on the impacts of deforestation and forest degradation on indigenous and local communities in the DRC, highlighting the human rights violations and socio-environmental impacts often caused by these activities. The report also c

May 04, 2016 by members

Indigenous Peoples in Crosshairs of Development

Peter Bosshard, interim ED of Coalition member International Rivers, explains how indigenous communities are particularly at risk of landgrabbing and face increasing repression, even death when standing up for their rights. Read the article here.

Apr 25,2016

First BRICS bank loans spark debate over environmental protection

NDB project funding has been the subject of intrigue and concern among civil society organizations (CSOs) since the bank’s formal launch in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2014. Yet news of these first ‘green’ loans has done little to ease their fears. The problem, CSOs say, is that since the NDB still lacks a

Apr 12, 2016 by members

Civil society groups express great concern over BRICS Bank

As government ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa gather in Washington, DC for the third board of governors meeting of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) April 13 and 14, civil society groups in BRICS countries appealed to their governments and NDB management to operate

Apr 05, 2016 by CHRD

4/15 Tell the World Bank to Safeguard People & the Planet!

While the World Bank’s motto is to “End Poverty” and promote sustainable development, too often Bank investments disregard the human rights and priorities of poor communities, leaving them worse off. As the World Bank prepares to host finance ministers from across the globe

Apr 04,2016

Central American Bank pulls out of Honduran dam

In a victory for indigenous and human rights activists, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) announced Friday the suspension of its financing of the Agua Zarca Dam. The Honduras dam project has been a focal point for international attention following the killing of h

Mar 30, 2016 by CHRD

Sign-on statement on IFIs, Participation, and Human Rights

In the face of rapidly shrinking civil society space and growing attacks on human rights and environmental defenders, sign this statement (English, French, Spanish, Arabic) on the Responsibility of International Financial Institutions to Ensure Meaningful and Effective Participation and

Mar 29,2016

South Africa civil society critizes NDB for lack of transparency and social and environmental standards

With the BRICS New Development Bank set to open its regional office in Johannesburg and approve its first set of projects for financing in the next weeks, South African civil society groups raise concerns about lack of transparency or consultation with potentially affected communities. The NDB h

Mar 16, 2016 by CHRD

Coalition urges World Bank to meaningfully address human rights

The Coalition for Human Rights in Development submitted recommendations today urging the World Bank to amend its proposed Environmental and Social Framework to meaningfully address human rights. The submission addresses arguments that have been put forward against embracing human rights an

Mar 11,2016

UN Expert: “Ensure the safety and protection of Gustavo Castro Soto”

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst, called upon the Government of Honduras today to “ensure the safety and protection of Gustavo Castro Soto”, a Mexican human rights defender, and to facilitate his return to Mexico as soon as possible. Cast

Mar 09, 2016 by CHRD

Tell Deadly Dam Builders that Enough is Enough!

Follow this action alert to tell FMO, Finnfund, CABEI, Voith and Siemens to immediately pull out of the Agua Zarca Dam and to not get involved in any other projects on the land of the indigenous Lenca people. intlrv.rs/StopAguaZarca.

Mar 05, 2016 by CHRD

Statement on Assassination of Indigenous Defender Berta Cáceres

The Coalition for Human Rights in Development expresses our deep sadness and outrage at the assassination this week of indigenous leader and environmental activist Berta Cáceres. Berta was the coordinator and co-founder of the Council of Indigenous Peoples of Honduras, COPINH. She fought to d

Feb 15,2016

Civil Society calls for human rights protections in World Bank activities

The World Bank consultation on proposed new social and environmental new safeguards will end one month from today. The Bretton Woods Observer reports how civil society organizations around the world have been calling on the Bank to adopt a strong framework for the protection of human rights.

Feb 02, 2016 by CHRD

US government moves forward with Power Africa funding

Yesterday, the U.S. Congress passed the Electrify Africa Act, promoting investment in access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. The Electrify Africa Act in part formalizes Power Africa – a U.S.- led initiative to work with African governments, the World Bank, African Development Ba

Jan 29, 2016 by members

AIIB shows significant gaps in Human Rights, says Amnesty International

Amnesty International argues that the recently launched Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), led by China, should draw on the experience of other development banks and implement strong human rights standards. The group raises concerns that the Bank’s development of an Envir

Jan 04,2016

World Bank cancels road project amid allegations of sexual abuse

The Financial Times reports that the World Bank has taken the rare step of cancelling a $265m road project in Uganda amid allegations of mismanagement by the government and sexual abuse of minors by employees working for its contractors. At least nine school-age girls became pregnant. Read the Fin

Dec 17, 2015 by members

Nigerian Groups Demand Human Rights at World Bank

December 17, 2015 – Nigerian civil society organizations met in Abuja, FCT, Nigeria as the World Bank consults with the Nigerian government regarding a large-scale revision of the Bank’s social and environmental safeguard policies. The groups called on the Bank to adopt strong req

Nov 16, 2015 by CHRD

Why Development Finance matters for Business and Human Rights

As the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights opens today in Geneva, the Coalition for Human Rights in Development and the International Corporate Accountability Roundtable today released a new factsheet: 10 reasons why development finance matters for business and human rights. For groups worki

Oct 13, 2015 by CHRD

For World Bank, Ignorance is Bliss

The World Bank doesn’t require that its projects respect human rights, and has thus far refused to adopt such a requirement. Máxima Acuña de Chaupe and Elmer Campos travelled far from their families in rural Peru to attend the Annual Meeting of the World Bank, taking place in the capital city of Lima.

Sep 21,2015

UN Expert: “the World Bank is a human rights-free zone”

In a report to the UN General Assembly, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, characterizes the World Bank as a “human rights-free zone” and criticizes the institution’s current approach to human rights as “incohere

Jun 19,2015

New Story: Refugees of Development

In 1999 residents of Hade, Kosovo were forced from their homes by Serbian commandos.They were able to return some time later and have been working tirelessly since then to rebuild their village and return to normal life. Now, they are being threatened to leave again, but this time the threat is comin

Jun 15,2015

UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights argues that Human Rights are critical in addressing Inequality

UN Special Rapporteur finds that human rights are being entirely left out of the debate around extreme poverty and extreme inequality, even though the human rights framework is imperative in resolving these issues. The report criticizes the World Bank, IMF and UN for failing to follow up on any rec

Jun 15,2015

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and Association 2015

A report by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of assembly and association discusses the importance of freedom of speech within natural resource extraction projects. Concludes the following: rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and association are essential to fair work on extraction of na

Apr 14, 2015 by CHRD

World Bank Driving Hazardous Development

International Coalition Warns: World Bank Driving Hazardous Development WHAT:           Demonstration – Civil society groups encircle the World Bank in “Caution” tape, demanding strong human rights safeguards WHEN:           Friday April 17, 10:00 – 11:30am

Jan 31,2015

An Open Letter from Anuak Ethiopian Refugees to the World Bank President

Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President, World Bank January 30, 2015 Dear Mr. President, We are the Requesters, Anuak refugees and asylum seekers based in Kenya (Dadaab, Kakuma and Nairobi) and South Sudan (Gorom), who submitted a complaint to the World Bank Inspection Panel in September 2012. We have written

Dec 16,2014

UN Experts Express Concerns over Proposed Safeguards

28 UN Experts sent a letter to World Bank President Jim Kim, to express their concerns regarding the Bank’s proposed new social and environmental safeguards. The letter criticizes the Bank for avoiding meaningful incorporation of human rights protections. Read the letter here.

Dec 05,2014

Global Climate Talks Open with Push for Human Rights

From Scientific America, published on Monday, 1 December 2014. For all the flack the U.N. climate talks have taken over the past 20 years, one major achievement will be on display as the next round of negotiations open in Peru today. Climate change has been inextricably linked to social justice. The

Oct 31,2014

UN Poverty Expert Calls Out World Bank

In a recent speech at the World Bank, entitled “Rethinking the World Bank’s Approach to Human Rights,” Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, described how the World Bank “stands almost alone…in insisting that human rights are mere m

Oct 16, 2014 by CHRD

The Annual Meetings: A Week in Review

From October 10–12, 2014 the World Bank and International Monetary Fund held their joint Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. Scores of activists, community leaders and civil society organisations from across the world participated in meetings, panels and actions to affirm the importance of st

Sep 29,2014

World Bank Accuses itself of Failing to Protect Kenya Forest Dwellers

From the Guardian, published on Monday 29 September 2014 09.36 EDT. World Bank accuses itself of failing to protect Kenya forest dwellers Leaked document says World Bank violated its own safeguards in dealings with Sengwer people evicted from their lands A leaked copy of a World Bank investigatio