Ensure Land Rights Defenders Hold the World Bank Accountable

 

Theft of land. Human rights abuses. Health hazards. Being arrested for ‘trespassing’ on your own land.

This is the daily reality for local villagers surrounding the failed Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial park in DRC. The park – and the 21 others slated to be built on 1.5 million hectares of land in the country – go against the interests of DRC, its own agricultural policy, and the will of local farmers and their organizations.

Earlier this month, we exposed this travesty in a new report, revealing the devastating impacts of Bukanga Lonzo, and that agro-industrial parks are a false solution to the challenges faced by DRC and Africa when it comes to food, agriculture, and poverty alleviation. Local NGOs and farmer organizations are now mobilizing and using the findings of our report to advocate for greater support to local farmers instead of foreign companies.

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How could a project with such disastrous impacts be allowed?

Behind this failed development scheme is a familiar culprit: The World Bank. Years ago, the Oakland Institute identified the Bank as the key mastermind and financier of devastating pro-corporate industrial agriculture projects and policy prescriptions, leading to devastating consequences like those at Bukanga Lonzo.

Since then, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to sound the alarm, expose injustices, and elevate the struggles of the millions whose lives, livelihoods, and land are being decimated by the Bank’s actions.

Now, it’s time to bring the voices of those most impacted to the Bank’s doorstep.

This fall, the Oakland Institute is mobilizing land rights defenders from around the world to have their voices heard at the World Bank’s Annual Meetings in DC. Together, we’ll speak truth to power about the impact of the Bank’s actions and call for an end to these disastrous and ill-conceived projects.

But we can’t do it without you.

We need the support of committed donors like you to raise $25,000 to allow these courageous land rights defenders to be heard in DC. Will you join us in bringing these vital voices to the halls of power?

Donate Here to Ensure Land Rights Defenders Hold the World Bank Accountable