International development institutions like the World Bank aim to “do no harm” to people and the environment, but far too often, bank-financed development projects — dams, electricity expansions, infrastructure, and extractive projects — do more harm than good,
especially for local communities.
Thirty years ago, CIEL helped create the first independent accountability mechanism at the World Bank, and we have spurred the creation of many others at development banks worldwide. However, development banks are still falling far short of their obligation to take responsibility when harms occur and to deliver remedy to project-affected communities. CIEL set out to change that last year.
Whether remedy takes an economic, physical, social, cultural, or moral form, ensuring effective, inclusive, and participatory policies, as well as the resources to deliver remedy within international development institutions, is critical to prioritize communities’ wishes when development projects harm their lives, livelihoods, and environment. When the initial draft proposals from the World Bank Group were insufficient, CIEL mobilized hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals, and will continue focusing on impactful, aligned advocacy in the year ahead.
Goal
Secure policy proposals within two banks for holistic and effective remedy
Strategy
Lead global coalition to advocate for robust remedy with institutional decision makers
Targets
International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
Timeline
2022 – 2023
Mapping CIEL’s Support of Remedy

Guatemala
Indigenous Mayan Mam from San Miguel Ixtahuacán – Goldcorp Marlin Mine (2005)
Honduras
Aguan campesino communities – Dinant Palm Oil Plantation (2012)
Nicaragua
Sugarcane workers and families – Nicaragua Sugar Estates Limited (2008)
Sugarcane workers and families – Ingenio Montelimar sugar mill (2015)
Community land and water rights – Condor Gold Mine (2018)
Panama
Indigenous Ngäbe, Buglé, and Campesino Peoples – Transmission Line IV (2018)
Colombia
Cauca River community movements – Ituango Hydroelectric Project (2018)
Páramo Santurbán communities – Eco Oro Minerals’ Mining Project (2012)
Peru
Andean campesino communities from Celendin, Cajamarca – Yanacocha Gold Mine (2001)
Chile
Maipo River community movement – Alto Maipo Hydroelectric Project (2017)
Indigenous Mapuche/Pehuenche Peoples – Pangue/Ralco Hydroelectric Project (1995)
Kosovo
Obiliq community – Kosovo Power Project Eskom Coal Plant (2012)
Argentina/Paraguay
Parana River communities – Yacyretá Hydroelectric Project (1996)
Chad
Community leaders and activists – Chad-Cameroon Oil Pipeline (2001)
India
Subsistence farmers – National Thermal Power Corporation Singrauli Coal Plant (1997)