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
When courts help cloak export credit agencies’ financial clout
Blog entry | 19 April, 2021Operating far from the public eye, export credit agencies offer state backing worth billions of dollars every year that in too many cases have enabled both the fossil fuels industry and human rights abuses around the world. These influential public finance institutions have also been relentless in resisting civil society legal challenges to shine a light on how they use public money.
Read moreHalf green and half-blind on democracy. As the EBRD turns 30 the vision of its founders is still far out of sight
Blog entry | 14 April, 2021The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was created in 1991 at a unique moment in history: after the fall of the Berlin wall, the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the run-up for the Rio Earth Summit on Sustainable Development and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Read moreSaving ‘private’ Rioni: Georgia’s growing environmental protest
Blog entry | 9 April, 2021In just a few months, a protest against a large dam on the Rioni River has grown from a handful of people in Lechkhumi, western Georgia into a national demonstration. On the International Day of Action for Rivers, 14 March, thousands of Georgians made history with the largest environmental protest in the country’s recent past.
Read moreRelated publications
Joint Statement Regarding the Establishment of an Independent Trade Union in Uzbekistan
Advocacy letter | 26 March, 2021 | Download PDFOn March 19, 2021, over 200 employees of Indorama Agro in the Syrdarya region of Uzbekistan held a meeting to establish the independent trade union, “Xalq Birligi” (People’s Unity), the first of its kind in the country. This initiative was a response t
Oyu Tolgoi Mine, Mongolia: A Raw Deal ICT metal mining case study
Study | 1 March, 2021 | Download PDFAs Mongolia’s flagship mine project, Oyu Tolgoi is often advertised as a world-class, sustainable, safe and energy-efficient mining project, but in reality, it has been subject to controversy on multiple occasions due to corruption scandals, tax disput
Bankwatch’s request to the EBRD Board regarding Corridor Vc South Mostar Section
Advocacy letter | 17 February, 2021 | Download PDFRequest to the EBRD Board Members regarding EBRD Management response to Bankwatch report “Connecting or Dividing?” and postponement of the decision on Corridor Vc.
