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
Destructive hydropower in southeast Europe
International commercial and public banks have been bankrolling a wave of hydropower projects across Southeast Europe that have damaged pristine rivers, including in protected areas. These financiers need to take their share of the responsibility and stop financing projects in sensitive areas.
Buk Bijela dam and the Upper Drina cascade
Backed by a state-owned energy company, Buk Bijela has the necessary support and privileges to to be pushed forward in violation of the national legislation and international conventions.
Shuakhevi hydropower plant, Georgia
Entrusted with leading Georgia towards energy independence, the Shuakhevi plant has achieved anything but. Long after its completion in June 2017, it is as far as it could be from fulfilling its promise for energy security. Instead, it managed to collect an impressive ‘portfolio’ of problems in a wide range of areas: from biodiversity, to gender impacts, to community relations.
Latest news
Will the EBRD Make a Better Offer on Public Information Disclosure and Engagement?
Blog entry | 28 March, 2019The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will soon conclude the revision of three policies central to the environmental and social governance of its projects: the Access to Information Policy, Environmental and Social Policy, and Project Accountability Policy. Together, these three documents will form the core of the institution’s protocols ensuring communities’ right to information, right to development, and right to remedy.
Read moreWhen the EU’s bank can’t kick the fossil fuels habit
Blog entry | 27 March, 2019As the European Investment Bank (EIB) is nowadays preparing a new Energy Lending Policy to guide its investment in energy projects, it seems the world’s largest public lender is not willing to acknowledge its contribution to climate change, the biggest crisis currently facing humanity.
Read moreNew report highlights misuse of banking secrecy rules
Blog entry | 26 March, 2019BankTrack’s study finds that client confidentiality is not an absolute legal requirement in any of the world’s major banking centres. Banks can – and do – include the right to disclose information into their contracts. Will the EIB & EBRD acknowledge this in their policies on intermediated lending?
Read moreRelated publications
Letter to EBRD president Suma Chakrabarti
Advocacy letter | 3 April, 2019 | Download PDFCEE Bankwatch Network, Arab Watch Coalition and the International Accountability Project call to the EBRD President, Sir Suma Chakrabarti, to ensure a people-centered Access to Information Policy. Communities, individuals, and civil society have the ri
Comments on the EBRD draft Accountability Policy
Policy comments | 27 March, 2019 | Download PDFThe draft Accountability Policy of the EBRD proposes a substantial and welcomed restructuring of the mechanism and improves on many of the issues of independence and predictability that hindered the PCM. However, the draft Policy does not yet rectify a
Comments on the EBRD draft Access to Information policy
Policy comments | 27 March, 2019 | Download PDFFulfilling the right of access to information is the beginning and foundation of true development that respects the rights of all people. Access to information goes hand-in-hand with meaningful consultation and stakeholder engagement to ensure that pro
