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Negotiations between Argentina and China continue for the construction of Atucha III

Argentina and China are advancing in the negotiations for the construction of Atucha III, the fourth nuclear power plant in our country, with Chinese technology and financing. US officials expressed their concern to the President of the Nation on a recent visit.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

The Ambassador of Argentina in China, Sabino Vaca Narvaja, the Secretary of Energy of the Nation, Darío Martinez, and the director of Nucleoeléctrica Argentina, Isidro Baschar, held, on April 6, a meeting with the directors of the National Agency for Energía de China (NEA) and the China Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), in which they agreed to boost negotiations for the construction of the fourth nuclear power plant in Argentina.

The representatives of Argentina and China reviewed the status of the negotiations for the construction of the nuclear power plant in our country with Chinese technology. In addition, they explored the possibility of expanding the bilateral link in other areas of cooperation, such as the Argentine export of services and components for Chinese nuclear projects and the life extension of nuclear power plants in China.

The Secretary of Energy, Darío Martinez, affirmed that “the project of the IV Nuclear Power Plant has the full support of the President of the Nation and is on the list of priority projects between both countries.” Likewise, Sabino Vaca Narvaja explained that “Argentina has a highly developed platform in the nuclear sector with its own developments and a unique scientific base in the region. Achieving our fourth nuclear power plant, in addition to expanding our energy sovereignty, will place us at the forefront of a sector with historical development in our country ”.

For his part, the Deputy Director of the Department of Nuclear Energy of NEA, Qin Zhijun, stressed the importance of nuclear energy in the Chinese development strategy, in particular, considering the need to have a diversified energy matrix, as well as the importance of nuclear energy in the fight against climate change.

Worry in Washington

On April 14, two high-ranking officials of the United States government arrived in Argentina. The Director for the Western Hemisphere of the National Security Council, Juan Gonzalez, and the Acting Undersecretary of the State Department for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Julie Chung, shared a lunch with the President of the Nation, Alberto Fernandez at Quinta de Olivos . Also, in the evening, they shared a dinner with the President of the National Chamber of Deputies, Sergio Massa.

Joe Biden’s government officials asked the Argentine government for “prudence” in relation to China. Likewise, they expressed their concern about the project for the construction of the Atucha III nuclear power plant, with financing and technology from China.

The concern on the part of the United States in the construction of the nuclear power plant with technology and financing from China reflects that Argentina is not exempt from the current political dynamics characterized by competition between the two giants.

Atucha III, the fourth nuclear power plant in the country

The construction of this project is scheduled to be located at the Atucha Nuclear Complex, located in Lima, Zárate district, about 100 km from the City of Buenos Aires. In this same complex are the Atucha I and II nuclear power plants.

According to Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A, the negotiations contemplate that the reactor to be built in the new plant is a Hualong HPR1000 Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) of Chinese origin. How do these reactors work? Basically they use enriched uranium as a source of heat (thermal energy), which is transported by high pressure water to a steam generator, which in turn converts that water into steam that drives an electricity generating turbine. This is the type of reactor most used in the world for electricity generation.

With regard to risks, NASA assures that “the safety levels of the Hualong reactor are significantly high and the risks of delay during construction are reduced.”

This new plant would be capable of generating 1200 MWe of gross energy. To put this in perspective, the Atucha I, Atucha II and Embalse reactors generate 362 MWe, 745 MWe and 656 MWe respectively.

Given the characteristics of the project in question, the type of energy to be used, the controversy regarding the technology to be used and its impact on the external positioning of the Argentine Republic in a context of dispute between the United States and China, from Fundeps we propose the need to that the national State faces the negotiation process in a transparent way and provides a broad framework for debate within Argentine society regarding the project and the use of atomic energy.

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Authors
  • Mariano Camoletto
  • Andres Paratz
Contact

Gonzalo Roza, gon.roza@fundeps.org

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We participated in a discussion with the new MICI director, Andrea Repetto

On April 27, we participated in a discussion with civil society organized by the Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) of the IDB, on the occasion of the recent inauguration of its new director, Andrea Repetto. Civil society organizations, individuals and people from the public and academic sectors from different countries participated. One of the main points of discussion revolved around the evaluation of the Mechanism’s operation recently carried out by the Office of Evaluation and Oversight (OVE) of the IDB Group.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”

The Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) was established in 2010 as an instance of last resort so that people who consider themselves affected by projects financed by the IDB Group can turn to the mechanism in search of a solution. In this regard, it should be noted that the complaints submitted must relate to non-compliance with the bank’s operating policies and not to other national and / or international regulations.

At the beginning of the discussion, the new director introduced herself personally, conducted a review of the most outstanding events of 2020 and indicated what the priorities of the mechanism will be during 2021.

Case management in times of COVID-19 and management priorities during 2021

In 2020, the MICI took actions to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on claims management. Managed a total of 21 claims from communities potentially affected by projects financed by the IDB Group in 9 countries: 17 claims refer to IDB projects with the public sector and four to IDB Invest operations with the private sector. In addition, the MICI began, for the first time, a completely remote dispute resolution process in Colombia (Ruta del Cacao).

Similarly, with the recent assumption of Repetto as director, 2 priority areas were identified during 2021: on the one hand, the opening of the mechanism, seeking to make it more accessible to the communities that need it and, on the other, institutional learning, with The objective of adding more value to the IDB Group and reinforcing its accountability and sustainability.

OVE’s evaluation of the MICI

OVE carried out a first evaluation of the MICI in 2012 and identified significant problems in terms of its policy, structure and operation, recommending ending the pilot phase of the MICI and reformulating its policy and structure. Thus, in December 2014, the Bank’s Board of Directors approved a new policy and structure for the mechanism and, since the beginning of 2016, the MICI is also responsible for managing requests related to IDB Invest operations, that is, the private sector.

In the following evaluation (2015-2020), 19 cases were analyzed (between December 2014 – June 2020) and it was concluded that the MICI, in general, is operating in accordance with the principles established in its policy: independence, objectivity, impartiality, transparency and efficiency and that the current policy corrected important issues identified by OVE in its 2012 evaluation as limiting the proper functioning of the MICI. Similarly, there was greater consistency between the policy, the guidelines developed, and the associated processes. OVE also highlighted the consolidation of capacities in conflict resolution within the MICI.

However, there is still room for the MICI to deepen its efforts to maximize its contribution to the IDB Group’s system of safeguards and environmental and social standards.

A key issue that remained pending is judicial exclusion, which continues to be an important factor limiting the effective and efficient functioning of the MICI.

OVE also found that some requirements to access the mechanism are difficult for applicants to meet, such as the need to present their concerns to management before resorting to the MICI. In this regard, it should be mentioned that the difficulty of complying with the requirement of prior contact with the administration had to do, to a large extent, with the lack of a complaints management system within the IDB Group during the period under evaluation (2015 -2020) and one of the OVE evaluation recommendations points towards that goal.

Promotion of access and risk of retaliation

OVE indicated that the mechanism is not yet well known despite the important efforts of the MICI to make it known, including important work in the area of ​​attention to the risk of retaliation that has important implications for safe access to the mechanism. Nor is it clear that at the institutional level there is consensus on the importance of publicizing the mechanism and how to achieve it. Not a minor issue, since access to the MICI depends on the knowledge that people have about the existence of the mechanism.

Finally, another point that the evaluation indicates that should be strengthened is the independence of the mechanism, a fundamental issue since the credibility of the mechanism depends on its ability to work independently. Although the MICI is an arm of the Board of Directors, its added value depends on the extent to which it can present you with frank and honest reports on complaints associated with IDB Group projects.

Based on these and other observations, OVE made 5 recommendations, directed both to the MICI and to the administration and the Boards of the IDB Group. These include: 1) implementing the management system for environmental and social claims of the IDB Group’s administration so that it is articulated with the MICI, 2) nullifying the judicial exclusion, 3) reinforcing the independence of the MICI, 4) ensuring the adoption of corrective measures when there are findings of non-compliance with the policies and related damages and, finally, 5) strengthen the internal capacities of the MICI.

One might wonder, however, if the limitations of the current policy can be remedied by incorporating OVE’s recommendations or if these limitations, on the contrary, necessitate a new comprehensive review of the policy, a measure that OVE has ruled out in its evaluation.

At Fundeps, we believe that this type of instance is essential to exchange opinions and positions in relation to how the Mechanism could be even more efficient and effective in its interventions to the problems that arise in our region. Likewise, we consider that a strengthening of the mechanism translates into an improvement in the accountability system of the IDB Group as a whole.

We hope that these instances will continue to be repeated over time and we celebrate that the MICI is willing to receive feedback from those who position themselves as users of the mechanism, being able to glimpse the shortcomings that the processes may have.

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Author
  • Camila Victoria Bocco
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Andrea Repetto Vargas began functions as the new director of the MICI

Andrea Repetto has been appointed by the Executive Board of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as Director of the Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) for the period 2021-2026 and began functions on March 16, 2021.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”

On February 5, the IDB announced the appointment of the Chilean Andrea Repetto Vargas as the new Director of the MICI for the period 2021-2026. Repetto Vargas is a lawyer and has more than 15 years of experience in accountability mechanisms, promotion of human rights and mediation. He was a Human Rights Specialist at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States (OAS) and worked as a conflict resolution specialist for the CAO, the independent accountability mechanism of the Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC). World Bank. She has also led mediation and dialogue processes to address complex environmental and social project issues in Latin America and West Africa.

Upon assuming office on March 16, Repetto Vargas expressed his commitment to work for an MICI “even more open to all the people and communities in the region who need us”, emphasizing his will to “promote institutional learning, which allows us to contribute even more value to the institution and thus reinforce accountability and environmental and social sustainability of IDB Group projects. She, in turn, highlighted the work done by the outgoing director, Victoria Márquez-Mees, and her entire team, pointing out that she allowed the Mechanism to be strengthened and to position it as a benchmark.

From Fundeps we welcome the appointment of Andrea Repetto Vargas as the new Director of the MICI and we hope that this election will allow the process of strengthening and dissemination of the Mechanism that has been taking place since its creation in 2010 to continue.

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Author

  • Juliet Boretti

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Argentina seeks to agree with China an investment plan for 30 billion dollars

On the eve of the next trip to China, the Argentine government negotiates infrastructure investment agreements worth close to 30 billion dollars.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”

The President of Argentina, Alberto Fernández, will visit the President of China, Xi Jinping, on May 5. One of the backbones of the meeting will be the negotiations for the entry of the South American nation to the Silk Road project and the landing of 5G technology from the hand of Huawei. In addition, it is expected that other important agreements for the bilateral relationship will be discussed, such as the expansion of the Caucharí solar energy park in Jujuy, infrastructure projects, livestock, investments and financing.

After a 2020 characterized by the health and economic crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic, the Argentine government advances in investment agreements with China for a value close to 30 billion dollars. Argentina has 15 infrastructure projects on the list to present to China. These agreements are of great importance for the national government, mainly in view of the necessary reactivation of the Argentine economy.

The projects that Argentina prioritizes for investment from China are the rehabilitation plan of the San Martín Railway system, improvements to the Roca Railway line, infrastructure works on the Miter and Urquiza railway, the redefinition of the Belgrano Cargas railway network and the incorporation of rolling stock for passengers. In parallel, the installation of smart pig farms is being discussed. It is estimated that the value of the investment would be around 3.8 billion dollars for a period of four years, in addition to the objective of producing 882 thousand tons of meat for a value of 2.5 billion dollars.

Likewise, the landing of Chinese investments in mining is discussed, especially in the production of copper and lithium in northern Argentina. Regarding lithium, Argentina signed an agreement with Jiangsu Jiankang Automobile (JJA) for the production of vehicles and batteries in the country. The list of projects includes the remodeling of the Chaco-Corrientes bridge, the construction of an aqueduct and water treatment plants, road corridors and the development of a logistics hub in Tierra del Fuego.

Regarding investments in energy, the president has in his portfolio five main works that require large investments that he will request from the Asian giant. This plan prepared by the Secretary of Energy, Darío Martinez, and the Minister of Economy, Martín Guzmán, stands out for the non-inclusion of one of the most demanded works by China: the construction of the fourth nuclear power plant in the country with Chinese technology . This works plan includes the construction of the southern gas pipeline, the electric grid in AMBA, the electric grid in Patagonia, the Mesopotamia pipeline and the construction of a thermal power plant.

The construction of the fourth nuclear power plant began to take shape during the government of Cristina Fernández for a value of 12 billion dollars. With Mauricio Macri in power, the cost was lowered to 9 billion. However, with the economic crisis and Macri’s electoral defeat, the project came to a standstill. The arrival of Alberto Fernandez meant for China the possibility of discussing the realization of the project. Another work that does not appear in this plan is the construction of the Chihuido hydroelectric dam in Neuquén. This work claimed by Russia and China would remain in the hands of Germany.

One year after the start of the pandemic in Argentina and the measures that have been adopted to act accordingly, the link with China has deepened. The Chinese market has become the main destination for beef exports from Argentina. Bilateral trade between the two countries, which in 2000 was around 2 billion dollars, closed in 2019 at a value close to 16.3 billion dollars, with Argentine exports for 7 billion dollars and imports for 9 billion dollars. of dollars. In addition, the Argentine government closed an agreement with the pharmaceutical company Sinopharm in early February for the shipment of 1 million doses and the arrival of another 3 million doses is expected at the end of March.

This new boost to the relationship with China is expected to be strategic, commercially balanced and accompanied by the necessary responsibility in environmental and social matters.

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Author

Mariano Camoletto

Contact

Gonzalo Roza, gon.roza@fundeps.org

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The 2021 Annual Meeting of Governors of the IDB and IDB Invest was held

Between March 17 and 21, the Annual Meeting of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank was held virtually. Different economic and financial leaders from member countries and the private sector discussed the pandemic and the economic recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”

Each year, the IDB holds its Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in one of the member countries. This year, the Assembly was held in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia, and its agenda was crossed by two central themes: the economic recovery of Latin America and the Caribbean in the face of the crisis caused by the pandemic, and the capitalization of the Bank.

First, the Bank’s president, Mauricio Claver-Carone, affirmed the IDB’s commitment to helping countries recover from the current economic crisis, reaffirming support for the financing needs of governments and assistance for access and negotiation in the purchase of vaccines. Based on this, Claver-Carone is committed to promoting the agenda that the Bank baptized as “Vision 2025”: reinvesting in the Americas, a decade of opportunities ”.

This agenda establishes five areas in which the IDB will focus in our region. These areas are: regional integration, strengthening value chains, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting the digital economy and prioritizing responses to gender and climate change issues.

On the other hand, Claver-Carone emphasized the work of the IDB Group during 2020, which in response to the COVID-19 emergency, approved loans for almost US $ 24,000 million, both to companies and governments, reaching record levels in the granting of loans. Faced with this, the president referred to the Bank’s capitalization: “I ask you to reinvest in us so that we can decisively reinvest in the region (…) The region will have a committed partner to help countries face these historical challenges and be well equipped with the financial resources necessary to make a big difference ”.

The Assembly then approved a resolution authorizing the work necessary to consider a potential capital increase of around US $ 80 billion. This amount was authorized by the United States Senate and was described by the Bank’s president as “the largest capitalization in its history.” Capitalization is a process that will increase the IDB’s creditworthiness and lending capacity. Through this, the Bank’s capital will be revalued and will allow it to face its need to address the financing problems of the region.

Finally, Claver-Carone referred to the need for the participation of women in the labor market to promote economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean and made known new contributions for the Amazon region between Colombia and Brazil to promote development sustainable through an environmental approach.

Undoubtedly, this year’s Assembly leaves us with a clear forecast of what the IDB Group will do in our region, crossed by the needs generated by the pandemic, by a new Bank presidency and by new agendas to be implemented, supported by the new capitalization. In this sense, it is worth noting that this capitalization process should be accompanied by a series of necessary internal reforms at the institutional level, which effectively ensure greater transparency and protection of social and environmental rights in projects financed by the Bank or its clients. .

At the same time, the process of citizen participation and relationship with civil society should be strengthened. The way in which spaces such as the Board of Governors are structured and planned, for example, reflect the Bank’s little predisposition to create effective spaces for exchange and dialogue with civil society and affected communities. We hope that these are some of the points to be reviewed by the Bank in view of a possible capitalization.

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  • Sofia Armando

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Transparency at development bank FMO is seriously lacking

The Dutch development bank FMO is not sufficiently transparent about the projects it finances, and is therefore acting contrary to its mandate. This is evident from a new report published by the International Accountability Project (IAP) and the Foundation for the Development of Sustainable Policies (FUNDEPS), endorsed by 28 organizations including Both ENDS, SOMO and Oxfam Novib. The research assesses FMO’s disclosure and access to information practices for investments proposed between January 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020. Only in 25% of the cases was it disclosed what potential negative consequences an investment by FMO would have for people and the environment.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

“If the forest next to your village is cut down to build an oil palm plantation, or there is a big dam in the river that you depend on for water and fish, you need to have access to information to defend your interests and have a voice in decision-making,” says Anne de Jonghe of Both ENDS. “You are entitled to know the costs and benefits for your community, before you can consider what is best for you. As an investor, FMO shares responsibility for this information provision, but unfortunately falls seriously short in this.”

Operating with public money

FMO’s response to the report shows that the bank itself believes that the responsibility for making information public and the potential negative effects of investments on people and the environment lie with the project developers and its clients. However, as a development bank that is largely funded with public money, FMO has the mission and responsibility to invest in sustainable, fair projects that improve people’s lives and respect human rights. One way to ensure this is to strive for as much transparency as possible about intended investments and to enable affected communities to meaningfully participate in the decision-making surrounding a project. This research shows that FMO still has a lot of ground to cover in fulfilling communities’ right to information.

No reports on social and environmental impacts

The analysis of 241 projects disclosed on FMO’s website between January 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020, reveals that potential negative impacts for these investments was disclosed in only 59 cases (25%). For the remaining 182 investments (75%) there was no information available on the website.

Appendices with more detailed technical information, such as reports on social and environmental impacts, were under no circumstances available on the website. “What’s more, the little information that is disclosed is only available in English, while FMO has investments all over the world, often in countries where English is not the first or even second language,” said Ishita Petkar of the International Accountability Project (IAP). “As a development bank, it is FMO’s responsibility to ensure they are fulfilling the right to information for the communities they impact. True development requires respecting human rights – FMO should ensure vital information, including technical documents, are disclosed and accessible in national and local languages.”

FMO must improve policy and practice

The 28 organizations have written a letter to FMO calling on the bank to thoroughly review and strengthen its access to information policy and practice. This includes improving information disclosed on the FMO website, adopting internationally endorsed principles on access to information, and obligating clients to fully disclose project documentation. FMO must also ensure that information is disclosed in understandable formats and reaches the communities concerned, so that they can participate meaningfully in project decision-making processes as the intended beneficiaries of development.

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What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals?

We present a document analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015 by the UN Member States, with the purpose of ending poverty, protecting the planet and guaranteeing peace and prosperity for all people by the year 2030. The SDGs There are 17 integrated objectives in which the actions or impacts on one will affect another / s.

The situation generated by the pandemic is not at all encouraging, since pre-existing unfavorable issues such as increasing poverty and hunger, increasing inequalities, rising unemployment, the health and sanitation crisis, the economic recession, restricted access to education, the setback regarding gender equality, among other aspects.

Thus, the document “Impact of COVID-19 on the Sustainable Development Goals“, prepared in a collaborative way, analyzes and reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on the SDGs, the positive and negative consequences of the global pandemic on each of the 17 objectives.

The current context has posed challenges for States and international organizations in decision-making, and in the establishment of truly effective actions to prevent this type of situation from recurring. In this way, the current context made us have to rethink whether the current system is effective or whether we should build another model for the future, one that is more equitable, inclusive, fair and sustainable. Therefore, the situation that the world is going through may mean an opportunity to rethink what future we want to build from now on.

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Gonzalo Roza, gon.roza@fundeps.org

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CSOs point out the weaknesses of the new IDB Invest’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy

On December 15, the new IDB Invest Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy will take effect. Civil Society Organizations in the region issued a Public Declaration warning about the weaknesses that the new Policy presents.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

On April 10, IDB Invest approved the new Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy that takes effect tomorrow, December 15. After the process of face-to-face and virtual public consultations that the Bank carried out last year in which civil society organizations, peasant communities, indigenous peoples, and Afro-descendant peoples participated, at the end of May the new policy of the private arm of the IDB Group was presented.

Despite the participation, through the sending of comments, of interested parties in the period of face-to-face and virtual public consultations, in the new Policy there is little or even no incorporation of issues considered relevant. For this reason, and in the face of the weaknesses and limitations that the new Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy presents, the CSOs of the region issued a Public Declaration warning about the precariousness of the policy, the consequences that it would bring to the countries of the region and the setback it means compared to the previous Policy.

Among the main points that we highlight in the Declaration on the limitations of the new Policy are, firstly, the direct adoption of the Environmental and Social Performance Standards of the International Finance Corporation -CFI- dating from 2012, not including changes or adaptations to new realities, making them obsolete in the current context of environmental and social challenges faced by Latin America and the Caribbean.

Another important limitation is the absence of subsidiary and joint liability on the part of IDB Invest regarding the actions of the actors over whom it has influence, that is, it is detached from institutional responsibility in the face of the possible negative impacts that the activities it finances may cause where the responsibility will fall solely on the client. This means the weakening of environmental and social protections created in order to avoid the adverse impacts caused by the projects. Along these lines, IDB Invest omits its duty to “enforce”, which means that it reserves the right to decide in which cases it will apply corrective measures and in which not.

In addition, the Public Declaration highlights the vagueness and ambiguity of the language used in the new Policy since it favors the Bank to act according to what it deems pertinent as well as increases the risk of non-compliance by customers.

Finally, one of the most alarming points are the gaps in the commitments regarding the environment and the social. Regarding the environment, the commitment to mitigation is fragile since there are no express restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions -GEI-, just to mention one case. With regard to social matters, although the policy makes clear its commitment to promote good international practices, in matters such as Human Rights, Retaliation, Gender Risk Management and Equality, as well as Participation of Interested Parties and Disclosure of Information , a superficial and weak commitment is evident when addressing them. For example, in relation to human rights, essential rights such as economic, social and cultural rights or the right to a pollution-free environment are not mentioned.

Then, regarding stakeholder participation, no commitment is made to ensure timely, meaningful and culturally appropriate participation. The Policy undertakes to establish a system for receiving and monitoring complaints of retaliation, it does not detail a procedure to resolve them, nor does it follow the recommendations of the specialized guide prepared by the MICI for the management of retaliation and protection of environmental defenders and activists.

Finally, in gender risk management and equality, the Policy does incorporate the promotion of good practices but excludes the IDB Group’s Operational Policy on Gender Equality in Development, a significant setback that will increase inequality and risks for women. women and LGBTQ + people.

Among many other issues that are addressed in the Public Statement, it is extremely necessary for IDB Invest to be relentless in demanding compliance with environmental, social and transparency standards from its clients if it is truly to promote sustainable growth, reduce poverty. and the inequality of the region. With the current pandemic context and looking at the post-pandemic situation, IDB Invest cannot be flexible in the procedures of social and environmental evaluation and due diligence in the approvals of financing operations since this is the only way to achieve sustainable development and reduce the environmental and social crisis in which Latin America and the Caribbean finds itself.

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Why does Argentina still not have a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights?

In the sixth session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group on Business and Human Rights, negotiations were held on the second legally binding treaty to regulate the activity of transnational companies. There is still time for this instrument to come into force, so it is still important that Argentina finalize the review of its National Plan of Action on Business and Human Rights so that the State exercises its responsibility to disseminate and implement the Guiding Principles on the business and human rights.

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have emerged as a global standard for businesses and governments to prevent and address business-related human rights violations.

Next year, the Principles will be 10 years old, for this reason, the UN Intergovernmental Working Group, in charge of preparing a legally binding treaty on this matter, has launched in the middle of this year a new project ‘UNGPs10 + / NextdecadeBHR’ with the purpose of outlining the steps to follow for the next 10 years in the area of ​​business and human rights. In addition, it will take stock of the achievements obtained so far and analyze future challenges and existing gaps.

However, the Guiding Principles have worked and function as guides for States and businesses on how to protect and respect human rights and how to make reparation for victims. But, often, the distance between what the Principles have is usually far from the internal regulations of each State. For this reason, many countries have developed National Action Plans -PAN- so that the States are responsible for the dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles. Also, the NAPs serve as instruments of change capable of adapting to the local context but they do not hold transnational companies responsible for human rights violations, which is why it is relevant to have a legally binding treaty on this matter.

Thus, efforts to develop a legally binding treaty on business and human rights began in 2014. Since then, the Intergovernmental Working Group has worked to perfect this instrument by improving the content, scope, nature and form of the instrument. Last year, the Revised Draft of the binding treaty was published and discussed at the Annual Forum held in October 2019. In August this year, the Chair of the Intergovernmental Working Group published the Second Revised Draft of the legally binding instrument to regulate the activities of the companies and in October the sixth period of negotiations between the parties involved will be held.

However, until the approval and adoption of the Treaty by the States, the preparation and application of the NAPs continues to be necessary. So how is Argentina doing on this issue?

On the website of The Danish Institute for Human Rights, there is a map that details which countries already have a NAP, which are developing it, and which have other non-state initiatives. Argentina is in the group of countries that is still developing its National Action Plan. Consequently, and due to the importance of having a NAP, in September we made a request for information to the national government, consulting the status of the Argentine National Action Plan on companies and human rights. The response was provided in two parts, first in late September and then the information was completed in mid-October.

The Argentine PAN has already been prepared and for it to enter into force a decree from the President of the Nation is necessary. However, the Nation reported that the Draft Decree for the approval of the National Business and Human Rights Action Plan is under review by government authorities. Moreover, it has not yet been defined whether the participation of civil society through public consultations will be allowed, which is necessary to achieve a greater commitment to guarantee the respect and protection of human rights by the State and companies. transnational corporations and effective remedies for the victims.

When consulting on the position of the national government regarding the legally binding instrument, the Ministry of Foreign Relations replied that Argentina abstained from Resolution 26/9 of 2014, which approves the constitution of an Intergovernmental Working Group for the purpose to develop a legally binding international instrument to regulate the activities of transnational corporations and other commercial companies with respect to human rights. However, Argentina has participated in all the sessions held by the working group and was present at the last session in October this year.

So, it is not only necessary and urgent that the UN Working Group advance in the elaboration and conclusion of the Treaty, it is also urgent that Argentina do the same with its National Plan of Action on business and human rights. As the plans are oriented according to the Guiding Principles, elaborated according to the context of each State, they must be the product of transparent, participatory processes and open to dialogue. For this reason, it is essential that the National Government jointly review with civil society, academia, unions and other interested parties, the draft of the PAN so that it effectively serves as an instrument in the elimination of obstacles and in the promotion of good practices in the compliance with human rights related to business activities.

From Fundeps we will continue to monitor the process of elaboration of the Argentine PAN as well as the International Legally Binding Treaty on transnational companies and human rights.

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Author

  • Sofia Brocanelli

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9th Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights

From today until Wednesday, November 18, the 9th Annual United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights will take place virtually.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

Today and until Wednesday, the 9th Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights takes place. Due to the pandemic, this year, the Forum will be held virtually, allowing greater participation of organizations and communities from different parts of the world. Under normal circumstances, face-to-face participation in this forum is difficult due to distances and economic issues, so its realization in a virtual format means a great advance.

The theme of this year’s event is “Preventing Business-Related Human Rights Abuses: The Key to a Sustainable Future for People and the Planet”. The Forum brings together companies, investors, government representatives, civil society organizations, community groups, UN agencies, national human rights institutions, unions, academies and the media.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Forum will consider how States and the business community should respond to it in a way that respects and protects human rights as well as the need to build a sustainable and people-centered recovery. .

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Gonzalo Roza, gon.roza@fundeps.org 

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The First Finance in Common Summit was held, which brought together the world’s public development banks

The Finance in Common Summit, held from November 9 to 12, is the first global summit to be attended by all the world’s development banks and multilateral institutions. Civil society organizations from different regions have demonstrated in the absence of human rights and the voices of the communities on the event’s agenda.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

Between November 9 and 12, 2020, the Finance in Common Summit was held, which was attended by 450 Public Development Banks of the world, multilateral institutions, heads of State, representatives of the private sector, civil society, academia, among others. The event was an initiative of the World Federation of Financial Institutions for Development -FEMIDE- and the International Development Finance Club -IDFC-. It was sponsored by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron and by the French Development Agency -AFD; and counted with the participation of the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres.

The summit focused on the crucial role that Public Development Banks play as capable and necessary actors to provide a collective response to global challenges, agreeing on short-term sustainable recovery measures on the COVID-19 crisis and with an impact on long-term in the environment and in societies. However, the Summit’s agenda did not address human rights, rights that are constantly violated and violated by the investments of development banks. Thus, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendant communities, local communities, and human rights defenders did not have a space to express their concerns and concerns.

This, despite the fact that in September, more than 200 civil society organizations from around the world sent a letter to the French Development Agency requesting that the principles of development that is focused on rights be included and prioritized. humans. Due to the lack of response, CSOs issued a Joint Declaration calling on Public Development Banks -BPD- to invest their financial resources in building a just, equitable, inclusive and sustainable future for all societies in the world. 

This summit should be an opportunity for development banks to modify the way they operate and place democracy, inclusion, equality, solidarity and the common good as the axis of their actions. It is urgent that PDBs commit to financing for fair, equitable and sustainable development, promoting and guaranteeing human rights for all, without neglecting vulnerable and marginalized communities.

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Contact
Gonzalo Roza, gon.roza@fundeps.org
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Virtual meetings on Gender and International Financial Institutions

Two virtual meetings to learn about the world of the IFIs, their accountability mechanisms, and share useful tools with feminist organizations in the region.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

The international financial institutions -IFIs- are one of the most important actors for the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of project financing. However, it is necessary for the IFIs to have Gender Policies and mainstream the gender perspective in the design, development and execution of the projects they finance, and consider the gender-differentiated impacts they cause.

For this reason, we launched two virtual meetings in which we will learn about the IFIs and share useful tools for organizations made up of diverse and dissident feminities and identities to build capacity to monitor the projects financed by them.

In the first meeting, we will get closer to the world of the IFIs and their accountability mechanisms. It will take place on Tuesday, November 10, at 4:00 p.m. Argentina.

In the second meeting, we will provide tools to obtain information and monitor projects financed by development financial institutions. It will be held on November 17 at 4:00 p.m.

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