Community-Centered Accountability Resolves Conflict

Project Summary

Over 50 financial institutions invested in mineral extraction have established accountability mechanisms that provide local communities with access to a mediated dialogue with mining companies to protect their rights. Communities living near and working at mining sites have raised over 200 complaints to these accountability mechanisms, some of which resulted in mediated agreements between communities and companies. Despite the promise of these mechanisms, too few mining-impacted communities are aware of them, and the mechanisms themselves could be improved by drawing lessons from other conflict resolution mechanisms. This project raises awareness of mediation mechanisms to mining-impacted communities; and improves the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to better address mining-specific conflicts.

Presentation of the Organization

Money is power, and Accountability Counsel holds power accountable. It works alongside communities whose rights, livelihoods, and environment are under threat by the world’s powerful investors – shifting power back to those who know the impact of an investment on their land and lives best. Not only does it advise communities as they use accountability mechanisms, it also advises financial institutions on how to establish and maintain effective mechanisms so that rights are protected and harm is prevented.