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.
Minerals mining and supply chains
Global demand for minerals and other critical raw materials is intensified by the just transition to renewable energy and the digital transformation agenda. Therefore sustainable supply chains of minerals are fundamental to addressing the climate crisis and the Covid-19 crisis that humanity is facing today. The European Union needs to innovate and find solutions to achieve its circular economy and resource use reduction objectives and to meet the demand of EU’s industry and consumers, while still protecting communities and nature threatened by mining.
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.
Latest news
Armenia: NGOs reports show govt. & investors failed to prevent human rights abuses at Amulsar gold mine
Bankwatch in the media | 8 August, 2022Amulsar’s costs to human rights and threats to environmental defenders, 4 August 2022
Read moreAmulsar’s costs to human rights and threats to environmental defenders
Blog entry | 4 August, 2022Armenia’s government and investors have failed to prevent human rights abuses related to the Amulsar gold mine. As we await the outcome of an EBRD investigation, environmental and human rights defenders continue to face threats. New reports show how the policies that should protect human rights and environmental defenders have failed to stop a project whose costs outweigh the benefits.
Read moreSolar Energy Project Leaves Uzbek Women in the Dark
Bankwatch in the media | 3 August, 2022Solar energy may be a great solution to the climate change problem, but local communities must benefit first.
Read moreRelated publications
A false start for wind energy in Uzbekistan?
Briefing | 1 December, 2022 | Download PDFThis report analyses the current environmental assessments for four wind projects planned to be built in Uzbekistan and adds new evidence from visits to the sites, meetings with the companies and local communities, and expert advise from environmental organisations.
Quick guides to EIB’s standards
Leaflet | 16 November, 2022 | Download PDFClick here to download all guides. These factsheets present the major requirements that the EIB’s standards have for project promoters (the EIB’s counterpart in an operation/project). These guides also include the documents which the promoter needs to
What do the OKKO filling stations employees say about their employer?
Resume | 3 November, 2022 | Download PDFPetrol filling stations network OKKO, controlled by the Galnaftogaz JSC, is known throughout Ukraine. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) facilitated the expansion of this network having a long history of relations with Concern
