It’s been a little over a decade since #China launched its #BeltAndRoad Initiative, a global program to improve relations with #LatinAmerica and other developing regions through trillions of dollars in investment in #infrastructure and #EnergyProjects. But China hasn’t always carried out those projects in a responsible way, sparking outcry about their #EnvironmentalImpact and #HumanRightsViolations, especially against #IndigenousCommunities.
Recently, China was up for a #UniversalPeriodicReview with the #UNHumanRightsCouncil, in which other member countries analyzed its actions abroad and provided recommendations to improve. Some of the most popular concerns have been emblematic of the environmental and social conflicts affecting Latin America, including violence against activists, rushed impact studies and weak oversight of projects ranging from dams and highways to mines and bridges.
China accepted a record ten out of 11 recommendations, giving hope to some that the country will change how it handles future projects in the region.
“China’s recognition of these problems is a crucial step towards accountability and transparency,” Paulina Garzón, director of #LatinAmericaSustentable said in a statement.
#Geopolitics #GlobalSouth #Globalization #EcoJustice #Accountability #Environmental #HumanRights #UNHRC #SouthAmerica
