Whether in Europe or beyond, public money must not become an auxiliary for human rights violations or the marginalisation of affected communities.
We expose cases where development banks fail to protect those impacted by their projects.
We advocate for participation and consultation processes that are not pro-forma exercises, but a tool to ensure people’s well-being.
Close to frontline communities
We’re in direct contact with affected communities and provide updates from their struggles.
Image (c) Rosa Vroom
Where rights are on the line
Myronivsky Hliboproduct (MHP), Ukraine
The leading Ukrainian agribusiness giant has been enjoying generous support in public funds and national subsidies. With over half a billion euros from the EBRD, EIB and the IFC, Myronivsky Hliboproduct PJSC (MHP) has grown into a near monopolist in poultry production. While MHP’s vertically integrated model has contributed to its status as a leading Ukrainian agribusiness, the scale and nature of its business have also contributed to mounting concerns about its social and environmental impacts. These concerns are compounded by patterns of poor community consultation and a lack of information provided about MHP’s operations, leaving project-affected people guessing about the true impacts of its operations.
Southern Gas Corridor
This system of mega-pipelines meant to bring gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, is unnecessary for Europe’s declining gas demand. But the billions in public investments will boost Azerbaijan’s dictatorial regime and cause upheaval for transit communities in Turkey, Greece, Albania and Italy.
Nenskra hydropower plant, Georgia
The Nenskra dam is the most advanced of Georgia’s massive plans for hydropower installations in the Upper Svaneti region. It will deprive the local community, ethnic Svans, of lands and livelihoods, but potential negative impacts have not been properly assessed.
Latest news
5 benefits of engaging in a facilitated dialogue process: the case of Myronivsky Hliboproduct
Blog entry | 10 August, 2018When both parties come to the table ready to participate in a meaningful way, a dispute resolution can serve as a valuable opportunity for companies, as well as the communities impacted by its operations.
Read moreThe European Parliament resolution urges European financial institution to respect indigenous peoples rights
Blog entry | 9 August, 2018Celebrate the rights of those 5 per cent who hold 80 per cent of the planet’s biodiversity. Today is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
Read moreHydropower rebounds in the Western Balkans
Bankwatch in the media | 8 August, 2018After a severe drought caused hydropower generation to slump in the Western Balkans last year, the latest data show a sharp rebound in hydroelectricity production in the first half of 2018. Source: Hydropower rebounds in the Western Balkans
Read moreRelated publications
Putting human rights first at the European Investment Bank. Upcoming opportunities
Briefing | 23 July, 2018 | Download PDFThe nearly 1,000 kilometre route connecting Mombasa and Lake Victoria has always been of key importance for the development of Eastern Africa. The narrow, crowded car road is still the main artery of the region. By 2020, the Kenya National Highways Aut …
Environmental problems of Shuakhevi Hydro Power Plant, Adjara, Georgia
Briefing | 23 July, 2018 | Download PDFThe 184 MW Shuakhevi Hydro Power Plant is under construction on the Adjaristsqali river and two of its main tributaries in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Georgia. The design envisages it as a run-of-the-river plant with capacity of diurnal storage …
Belgrade waste public-private partnership (PPP)
Briefing | 19 June, 2018 | Download PDFThe Vinča waste PPP contract between the City of Belgrade and the Suez-Itochu consortium raises numerous issues including the terms of the contract, the waste management model envisaged, and the impacts on the Roma population living on the landfill, as …
