September 28, 2018
IDB Invest, the private lending arm of the Inter-American Development Bank, is updating its Access to Information Policy. CIEL Senior Attorney and Program Director Carla García Zendejas released the following statement during its consultation in Washington, DC.
“In March, Latin American and Caribbean States enacted a legally binding agreement to ensure that millions of people have access to information and participation in decision-making that affects their lives. As one of the main sources of international financing in the region, IDB Invest must ensure that its new access to information policy does not contradict the Escazú Agreement.
Access to information in the region must be rooted in democratic principles, recognizing the inequality and marginalization that exists in Latin America and the Caribbean. Transparency, openness, and participation are essential to a development model that equitably includes women and men in decision-making.
To participate meaningfully and safely in development decisions that have impacts on their environment, their lives, and their livelihoods, communities must be well informed. Strong public participation requires that all stakeholders have access to the same information, in appropriate languages and in a timely manner. If IDB Invest is serious about development, it must create a level playing field for all parties to come together, without fear of retaliation or consequences from voicing opinions and defending their rights.”
Read CIEL’s full recommendations to IDB Invest’s consultation on its access to information policy: here.