Through 25 case studies, Uncalculated Risks explores the nature of the threats and attacks against human rights defenders in the context of development projects, and examines the role of development finance institutions (DFIs) in mitigating or exacerbating these risks. DFIs have a wide range of tools, resources and leverage to ensure their investments respect human rights and involve meaningful participation of affected communities. Yet, too often they ignore human rights risks – and end up fueling abuses by governments, companies, and other actors.
Key Findings
- Threats and attacks against human rights defenders in the context of development activities are widespread.
- Reprisals can take many forms, from harassment to criminalization and killings; often, they start with the labeling of communities and defenders as “anti-development”.
- The imposition of development activities without the consent or meaningful consultation of local communities and marginalized groups is one of the key root causes of threats.
- Development finance institutions have a duty to ensure their investments are not putting people at risk: yet, too often they end up exacerbating risks.
DFIs are failing to prevent and address reprisals because:
- they ignore early warning signs of threats;
- they fail to conduct meaningful human rights due diligence and pay attention to contextual risks;
- they are reluctant to use the leverage they have;
- they often remain silent in the face of threats and attacks;
- their responses come too little and too late, leaving defenders and communities without protection or remedy for harm.
The foundations of any development project are strong human rights safeguard polices and consent of the parties involved, thus reducing threats faced by human rights defenders, especially marginalized indigenous people. If the banks and governments had listened to us, then the violence and killing would not have happened — the funds could have been used in a constructive way to help conservation and not used for human rights violations.”
Would you like to help us hold development banks accountable and call on them to stop reprisals?
Case Studies
Stay in Touch
;
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
👇 👇👇
🌍 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 ✊🏽
Can't make it? No worries, catch…
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
