Jan 31, 2022 by CHRD

COVID-19: You can’t have a recovery using the same bad medicine

We are beginning 2022 with the world reeling under rising Omicron cases. It has been two years since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern. And we still have pressing questions around how we shepherd ourselves out of the pande

Jan 30, 2022 by CHRD

Missing receipts: what happened to the billions of dollars provided by international finance institutions for the COVID-19 response?

PRESS RELEASE 31 January, 2022 – International Financial Institutions (IFIs) have designated billions of dollars to respond to the pandemic and related social and economic crises. Yet, there is a concerning lack of transparency on how these funds were spent and serious doubts on whether t

Jan 25, 2022 by CHRD

#Dev4Africa: a new campaign to demand AfDB more transparency and respect human rights

#Dev4Africa is a campaign launched by grassroots groups, Indigenous Peoples, civil society organizations, communities, workers, women, and other right-holders and allies who share the common belief that fair and sustainable development in Africa is possible. The campaign supporters want t

Regional strategic conversation – Latin America

In June 2021, the Coalition held an online strategic conversation with its members and partners in Latin America, to learn more about the work in progress, reflect on challenges and achievements, and outline collective strategies. This infographic below summarizes the main results and the area

Nov 22, 2021 by CHRD

Nov 22, 2021 by members

More than 70 CSOs raise their concerns about the review process of AfDB’s Integrated Safeguard System

On November 19, more than 70 civil society organizations from across the African continent and international supporters addressed a letter to the African Development Bank (AfDB), to raise their concerns about the review process of its Integrated Safeguard System (ISS).

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

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

Nov 18, 2020 by CHRD

Coalition members and partners submit new recommendations for the AIIB ESF Review

On November 9, the Coalition for Human Right in Development members and partners (Accountability Counsel; Arabwatch Coalition; Buliisa Initiative for Rural Development Organization; Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies; Center for Financial Accountability; Earthrights Internation

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

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

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

Jan 10, 2019 by members

Coalition members comment on resignation of World Bank President

January 9, 2019. The President of the World Bank Group, Jim Yong Kim, announced he is stepping down from his position this February 1, 2019 to take a position with Global Infrastructure Partners, a private investment firm that did extensive business with the Bank during Kim’s tenure. In a b

Sep 02,2018

UN Report on Criminalization of IPs

UN Special Rapporteur Victoria Tauli Corpuz  just released a hard-hitting report on “the drastic increase in attacks and acts of violence against, criminalization of and threats aimed at indigenous peoples, particularly those arising in the context of large-scale projects involving extrac

Aug 10, 2018 by CHRD

Indigenous tell IDBInvest to divest from Guatemala dams

This week as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, communities affected by the Pojom II and San Andrés dams in the microregion of Ixquisis, Guatemala, filed a complaint with the independent accountability mechanism of the Inter-American Development Bank urging IDB Invest, the bank’s p

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 13, 2018 by members

What a new US development finance institution needs to succeed

A bipartisan group of senators and representatives introduced the Better Utilization of Investment Leading to Development (BUILD) Act, which, if enacted, would create a new agency called the United States International Development Finance Corporation. The IDFC would absorb the Overseas Pri

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 03, 2018 by CHRD

Joint Submission on WB’s Draft Guidance Notes

On December 22nd, the Coalition together with 30 organizations sent to the World Bank a joint submission with recommendations on the Bank’s Draft Guidance Notes for borrowing countries regarding how to implement the Bank’s new Environmental and Social Framework. The submission address

Oct 23, 2017 by members

Guide to the AfDB’s accountability mechanism

The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) was established by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2004 to address complaints made by any group of two or more people who have been harmed, or who are likely to be harmed, by a project funded by the AfDB Group. The IRM was designed to make sure that the AfDB f

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

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

Jun 14, 2017 by members

Asian CSOs Convene Workshop on Accountability in Bangkok

Representatives from 35 civil society organizations and community groups based in 11 countries in South and Southeast Asia participated in a workshop on how individuals and communities harmed by development projects can seek recourse.

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)

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 08, 2016 by CHRD

Civil society groups to hold WB accountable for human rights outcomes

On Thursday, the World Bank approved a new Environmental and Social Framework to replace its existing safeguard policies. Members of the Coalition for Human Rights in Development criticized the missed opportunity to adopt robust protections for the human rights of communities impacted by Bank

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 25, 2016 by members

SCOs from the Global South send letter to WB EDs rejecting the new safeguards framework

After a four year review process of the Environmental and Social Safeguards Policies of the World Bank, the World Bank Board approved the third, and probably final, draft of the new Environmental and Social Framework of the Bank. Last July 19, more than 50 organizations from 20 countries from the Gl

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 23,2016

World Bank Allows Tanzania To Sidestep Rule Protecting Indigenous Groups

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists recently reported that the World Bank has chosen to waive their policy protections for indigenous peoples in a Tanzania investment project, despite serious impacts on indigenous peoples in the project area. The Southern Agricultura

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

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

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

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

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 06, 2016 by CHRD

World Bank safeguard consultations end March 15

The final consultation period for the World Bank’s revision of its social and environmental safeguard policies will end on March 15th, 2016. Comments on the proposed draft safeguards framework can be submitted until that date to safeguardconsult@worldbank.org. You can find more inform

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

Dec 08, 2015 by members

Latin American Civil Society Presses Governments on Human Rights at World Bank

Over 180 civil society organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean call on their governments to prevent a weakening of human rights and development standards at the World Bank. The World Bank is presently holding consultations with its member State governments on a proposed revision of it

Nov 30, 2015 by members

Groups Call on BRICS Bank to Engage with Civil Society

November 30, 2015: On the heels of the meeting of governors of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), civil society organizations from BRICS countries and countries that will likely be impacted by NDB projects called on the Bank to open a transparent and participative process for the development of

Oct 12, 2015 by members

New Video about World Bank

Bank Information Center releases new informational video on the World Bank safeguards review. It is under 5 minutes long and meant to foster a general understanding of the review and its significance, and motivate people to send a note to their World Bank Director asking for the strongest possible

Jun 05, 2015 by CHRD

Civil society groups to World Bank: Ensure meaningful consultation on new policies

Civil society groups around the globe call on the World Bank to hold robust in-country consultations on its proposed new safeguard policies. Read the letter here.

May 04, 2015 by members

Letter from NGO Forum on ADB on AIIB Safeguard Standards

24 April 2015 MR. JIN LIQUN Secretary – General Multilateral Interim Secretariat Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Re: Letter of Introduction from NGO Forum on ADB on AIIB Safeguard Standards Dear Mr. Jin Liqun: We are writing to you on behalf of a network of 250 civil society organizati

May 04, 2015 by members

NGO Forum Calls on AIIB to Have Robust Safeguard Standards

For Immediate Release May 1, 2015  With 57 nations already on board the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as prospective founders, a 250-member strong civil society network made an appeal to the newly-formed bank to adopt robust safeguards in its principles, policies and operations.

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

Mar 30, 2015 by CHRD

BHRC Submits Proposals to World Bank

March 30, 2015-  The Bank on Human Rights Coalition issued the following submission to the staff and Directors of the World Bank as part of the Bank’s ongoing safeguards review: Key Human Rights Concerns and Recommendations regarding the World Bank’s Proposed Social and Environmen

Mar 02,2015

UN Forum on Indigenous Issues Raises Concerns on Draft World Bank Safeguards

In a letter addressed to World Bank President Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues notes that “important aspects of the Environmental and Social Policy in general and the associated Environmental and Social Standard on indigenous peoples in particula

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.

Nov 25, 2014 by CHRD

Statement on Obstacles to Participation in World Bank Safeguards Consultations

This letter, signed by 50 organizations, was sent today to World Bank President Jim Kim and Executive Directors detailing lack of notice and restrictive access to participation in ongoing safeguards consultations. Thanks to all who contributed to the letter and signed on. Please help distribut

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

Oct 11, 2014 by CHRD

World Bank Annual Press Release

For Immediate Release World Bank Group: Proposed Policy a Setback for Rights Development Cannot Succeed if it Harms Communities (October 10, 2014 Washington, DC) – Draft World Bank policies under consideration at the bank’s meeting on October 10-12, 2014 would dangerously roll back protection

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

Aug 01,2014

World Bank denies safeguards compromised

By Narayan Lakshman The World Bank hit back at a wide coalition of NGOs on Wednesday saying that it was in fact broadening environmental and community safeguards. Fending off allegations that it was “watering down” environmental and community safeguards for its lending activities and possibl

Jul 30,2014

World Bank rolling back safeguards

The following is an excerpt from an article published in the Hindu on July 30th, 2014. World Bank rolling back safeguards: Leaked report By Narayan Lakshman The World Bank may be on the verge of rolling back a wide range of in-built environmental and community protections surrounding its developm

Jul 28, 2014 by CHRD

Statement to World Bank Directors

World Bank Safeguard Draft Rolls-Back Protections for People and the Environment  Key Human Rights Concerns The World Bank has repeatedly committed to producing a new safeguard framework that results in no-dilution of the existing safeguards and which reflects prevailing international sta

May 21, 2014 by CHRD

Letter to World Bank

As the World Bank prepares to release a first draft of its new safeguard policies, Bank on Human Rights members sent a letter to Bank President Jim Kim, calling for a policy framework that ensures that development projects respect communities’ human rights. Letter to World Bank Carta al Banc