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
The Khada Valley, Georgia
The Khada Valley in Georgia brings together exceptional biodiversity, precious cultural and archeological heritage, and mountainous villages which have preserved rich traditions and historical lifestyles. But all of this might vanish if a 23-kilometer road from Georgia to Russia – the Kvesheti-Kobi project – is built.
Amulsar gold mine, Armenia
Since 2016 the controversial Amulsar gold mine project is being developed by Armenia’s largest foreign investor, an international mining company Lydian, near the touristic spa town of Jermuk.
Just transition
Working on just transition brings all actors who believe in fair regional redevelopment to the same table: unions, industry, public administration, governments, civil society and others sharing this goal. They should be working together to find what is best for their regions and communities, from creating good quality jobs to identifying sustainable alternatives.
Latest news
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Assault on the Neretva basin runs into blockades and lawsuits
Blog entry | 21 May, 2020The global Covid-19 pandemic has stopped neither hydropower companies nor nature defenders from pursuing their goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The latest flashpoint is the Neretva basin, where locals and NGOs are resisting construction with blockades and lawsuits.
Read moreDevelopment Finance for Covid-19 Crisis Should Uphold Human Rights
Press release | 18 May, 2020Global Coalition Calls for Essential Services, Economic Justice, Protection for Vulnerable Communities and the Environment
Read moreHow Bulgaria’s Mining Strategy can make the ICT industry more sustainable
Blog entry | 11 May, 2020Bulgaria’s National strategy for development of the mining industry was adopted in 2015 and identifies the country’s great potential to be a regional leader in the mining sector. However, before this can happen, the Strategy must be revised to take new sustainability standards, market factors, and environmental stressors into account.
Read moreRelated publications
Gone with the Flow, A case study of biodiversity loss caused by Ilovac Hydropower plant, Croatia
Case Study | 2 April, 2020 | Download PDFThis case study aims to demonstrate that the EIB’s environmental and social (E&S) and transparency policies are insufficiently equipped to prevent the negative impacts of hydropower plants on sensitive ecosystems, in particular when the hydropower project (1) is financed via an intermediary bank and/or (2) is located outside of the EU.
What can the new European Parliament expect on the ICT agenda
Briefing | 31 October, 2019 | Download PDFThe production of ICT has a huge impact on the environment, climate change, human rights and working conditions along global supply chains in the Global South. This document aims to provide information to Members of the European Parliament about sustai
Western Balkans hydropower: who pays, who profits?
Study | 25 September, 2019 | Download PDFIn the last decade, a wave of hydropower construction in the Western Balkans has caused ever-increasing public outcry. Large hydropower projects have long caused public resistance, but the mushrooming of smaller plants of less than 10 megawatts (MW) in
