A new study by the University of Portsmouth argues that economic development must prioritize human rights to benefit the communities most affected by large-scale investments. It warns that international investment deals often neglect local voices, prioritizing growth and market integration over sustainable and inclusive progress.
The study critiques the dominant model of development promoted by international investment law, which tends to marginalize cultural, environmental, and social considerations. “From Colombia to Peru, Nigeria to Indonesia, major projects raise pressing questions about who truly benefits from ‘development,’” the researchers observe.
Steep costs
Large investments, they explain, often come at a steep cost to local communities, causing environmental damage, displacement, and human rights violations. Examples include:
- Colombia: Mining projects threaten the Paramos high-mountain ecosystems, critical for water supply and biodiversity.
- Peru: Indigenous leaders have been criminalized for opposing extractive ventures, as seen in the Bear Creek mining case.
- Nigeria: Oil spills tied to Shell have devastated local communities, sparking global legal battles over corporate accountability.
- Indonesia: Victims of human rights abuses linked to major firms, such as ExxonMobil, continue to fight for justice.
The authors argue that rethinking development should put communities and indigenous peoples at the center of decision-making. They highlight the United Nations’ push for a legally binding treaty that recognizes the “right to development” as a way to ensure equality, respect for natural resources, and meaningful consultation with affected populations.
Key shifts
The study emphasizes three key shifts:
- Balancing economic and cultural development: Growth should prioritize sustainability—economic, environmental, and social.
- Recognizing indigenous rights: This includes ensuring free, prior, and informed consent for large-scale projects.
- Building inclusive legal frameworks: Development should reflect diverse visions and provide efficient remedies for those harmed.
The report also underscores the widening global inequalities exacerbated by investment projects and highlights the UK’s upcoming human rights review by the United Nations. This, the authors suggest, is an opportunity to redefine development in a way that benefits all—especially the most vulnerable.
Ultimately, the researchers argue that integrating human rights into international economic law is essential for achieving fairer and more inclusive outcomes. By shifting focus from nations to peoples, the world can ensure development serves those who need it most.
