Rights and Resources Initiative raises concerns about the World Bank proposed new safeguard policy

In a statement endorsed by Forest Peoples Programme, RRI has raised issues with the overarching framework of the new proposed Environmental and Social Standards of the World Bank. They have raised specific concerns with ESS5 on land tenure and land acquisition, and ESS7 on indigenous peoples:

'While the July 30, 2014 draft Environmental and Social Framework includes some positive developments, overall we find that the draft represents a significant weakening of World Bank safeguard standards and procedures.

This is of particular concern given that the World Bank has played a leadership role over the last several decades in the establishment of social and environmental safeguards for development finance. Other international financial institutions, private investors, and governments look to the World Bank’s safeguards for guidance on issues concerning Indigenous Peoples, resettlement, and sustainable development, and the standards have inspired similar systems within regional development banks, the Equator Principles, UNFCCC and others.

A weakening of World Bank standards risks a cumulative, cascading effect on the development community. Instead, the World Bank should strengthen its standards through adoption of a human rights-based approach to development, thus differentiating itself and earning a more valued place in the global arena.'

Click here to read the full statement.