Mega-Dams and Indigenous Human Rights

This original and insightful book explores and examines the impact that building mega-dams has on the human rights of those living in surrounding areas, and in particular those of indigenous peoples who are often most affected.

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This original and insightful book explores and examines the impact that building mega-dams has on the human rights of indigenous peoples living in surrounding areas, who are often significantly affected. It demonstrates the many ways in which human rights are violated by governments and other institutions in relation to large dam projects, and the wider effect this can have on these regions.

Compiling case studies from around the world, Itzchak Kornfeld provides clear examples of how human rights violations are perpetrated and compounded, as the construction of and flooding that results from these dams destroys livelihoods, cultural legacies and the local ecology, and promises of resettlement from governments are routinely broken. With chapters examining historical, recent and ongoing dam projects, the book also highlights the involvement of development banks and their failure to respect even their own policies in relation to issues such as environmental impact assessments.

This incisive book will be valuable to lawyers, political scientists, and other professionals working in the area of human rights, as well as academics and students. It will also be of interest to those working for government agencies, international organizations, and others involved in dam construction and similar large-scale projects.