NL-KVK-41210098-FGG-ToC1
Both ENDS
FGG BE ToC 1: Improved Corporate Conduct
In 2016 Both Ends will build on the work of previous years and continue to engage in advocacy work in the Netherlands and abroad as well as in joint capacity building activities focused on enabling partners in the global South to among other things actively participate in national and international advocacy processes. We will focus on a number of policy processes concerning the implementation of improved standards, regulation, safeguards limiting the impacts of (multinational) companies, financers and investors on human rights and the environment. Both ENDS will amongst other things focus on working with local partners on promoting and monitoring states’ implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGT) in developing countries, as well as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the SDGs. The Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) procedures and the infrastructure sector will be major points of discussion for Both ENDS within the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue processes of the Dutch Government. Furthermore Both ENDS will be focusing on the fields of agro-ecology and small-scale land users. In 2016, Both ENDS aims to innovate this field together with local partners through technological advances, diversification of crops and trees, sustainable conservation of ecosystems, and improving land use practices through participatory guarantee systems. In addition, Both ENDS will be working towards alternative market access spaces such as continuing work in the Rich Forest and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) activities. In the agro-commodity sector Both ENDS will continue to be active in various platforms such the Dutch Soy Coalition and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), where Both ENDS serves on the board of governors and several working groups, to monitor companies and governments to ensure that they live up to commitments and provide space and redress for affected people. In 2016 Both ENDS intends to continue to liaise with the Dutch Minister, the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies to concretise their commitments towards a 100% sustainable production chain and imports. In 2016 Both ENDS will explore how to develop the normative legal case for divestment from fossil fuel related companies and pension funds. This will include exploring the use of OECD Guidelines for filing cases against individual companies for their contribution to climate impact as well as using multi-stakeholder processes to influence pension funds and institutional investors. Both ENDS and partners are involved in various grievance mechanisms, and will continue this work in 2016 by supporting workers, communities, individuals and CSOs in the Global South seeking to address and, in some instances, prevent human rights abuses related to corporate activity through both legal proceedings (in host and home jurisdictions) and through Non-Judicial Grievance Mechanisms (NJGMs). Both ENDS will continue to support various cases in amongst other places Brazil, Senegal and Panama against the for example the National Contact Point (NCP) and the FMO. Both ENDS will organise capacity building workshops with local partner CSOs in order to improve their monitoring and advocacy capacity as well as capacity to handle grievance cases.
Stichting Both ENDS
Stichting Both ENDS
Stichting Both ENDS
info@bothends.org
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Outcome D: Agendas Set
Private and public sector decision makers have prioritised improvement measures due to support from influential civil society actors, critical media attention, increased public awareness and effective scrutiny of corporate conduct.
1.D
# proposals for improvement of corporate conduct discussed by private and public sector decision makers and/or in academia, public agenda, media and social movements.
All baselines are set at 0
- 1 proposal for improvement of conceptualisation of Land Degradation Neutrality and SDG15.3 by Both ENDS in collaboration with Drynet network, discussed by the Science Policy Interface of the UNCCD and resulted in the incorporation of the VGGT. - 1 proposal for improvement regarding land governance in the safeguards formulation of the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund by Drynet, taken up in de consultation process of the Fund and published on their website - 1 proposal for improvement on dryland restoration presented by 2 Nigerese CSOs and discussed by public and private stakeholders during a lunch lecture at Dutch MinFA (25/05), by showing added value of Farmer-Led Regreening. - 1 proposal for improvement on fair compensation and incorporation of FPIC and meaningful participation, which has been discussed with public and private stakeholders, NGOs and knowledge institutions, taken up in the final input document for Protocal on Fair Compensation. - 1 proposal for improvement on the implementation of FPIC and meaningful participation presented and discussed during two workshops on FPIC, attended by public and private actors, and an internal training with 25 RVO programme and CSR employees. - 1 proposal for improvement on social and environmental issues in infrastructure investments has been incorporated in Meta Study of ESIA for Port Development, discussed in the Dutch Land Governance Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue and separate expert meeting . - 1 Signatory Countries to the Amsterdam Declarations have been targetted by BE (initiator), IUCN NL, CI, OxfamNovib, Rainforest Alliance, WWF with eight recommendations to improve the declaration's implementation. - 1 65 policy makers and companies have been informed by Both ENDS about the state of Dutch imports of soy and urged to set new goals with a concrete roadmap and monitoring plan in order to continue working on 100% sustainability of the soy value chain. This was done through the brochure published by the Dutch Soy Coalition 'Update 2015' which indicates that only 34% of the soy imported by the Netherlands was responsible in 2015. This information was used in at least 5 published media outlets. - 1 Dutch policy makers of the MinFA targeted to uphold Dutch committments towards more sustainble production and import of palm oil during a Both ENDS facilitated visit of four indigenous leaders from palm oil affected countries, including the sharing of a 1 policy paper.
- 1 proposal: Awareness raised of various Dutch policy makers (Dutch embassy in Bogota, BuZa officials) on worsening sitution of HRDs in Latin America in relation to expanion of palm oil in the region. Local partners held direct information sharing talks with officials as well to inform them about reality for affected communities. Both ENDS played a facilitating role and assisted in strategizing and networking. - 1 proposal for improvement for integration of local CSOs' perspectives on land governance related issues in the early phase of investments through a reference guide for investment officers of a pension fund about how they can include knowledge about the local situation of an investment area in the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Romania, Poland, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Non-Peninsular Malaysia, Canada, USA, Australia. Both ENDS provided input on the set-up and the content of the guide, and continuously urged in the Land Governance Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue to enclose local information and consult local CSOsprior to an investment is being made - 1 proposal: Both ENDS and local CSO’s discussed HR violations related to the Canal Concession in Nicaragua with Embassy staff. This contributed to an increased awareness and prudence with the Embassy (staff) on the Nicaragua Canal (highlighting eventual risks for private sector involvement) - 1 proposal for improvement of good land governance and due diligence being discussed by Dutch companies in the infrastructure sector and the Dutch government, leading to increased awareness of the infrastructure sector on land governance issues in the South, upon the initiative of Both ENDS and continuous lobby and advocacy. - 1 proposal for the improvement of national land governance and spatial planning database management through adoption of participatory land mapping practices discussed and considered by national Indonesian Land Administration Agency, resulting in a jointly developed methodology, initiated by a local Indonesian CSO with who Both ENDS closely collaborates and supports financially. - 2 proposals of Both ENDS and an Indonesian CSO for improvement of Indonesian National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil discussed and considered with government and private sector actors during public consultations and discussions during the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil 2017 Annual Conference. - 1 proposal: jointly produced and published by Bumitama, Both ENDS and AidEnvironment describing real time experiences of a company's (i.c. Bumitama) outreach to communities in support of sustainable forest based economic development and forest conservation inside and adjacent to palm oil plantations. The report was discussed with Dutch policy makers, Secretariat of the Amsterdam Declaration and the RSPO and used to advocate best practices of coexistence of palm oil production with other, community based, forest and land use systems. These discussions will continue in 2018, at amongst others the upcoming RSPO EU Round Table in Paris. '- 1 proposal: Network of Latin American organisations working on monitoring expansion of palm oil in the region shared letter to RSPO to ask for attention about the increasing dire situation of HRD in palm oil expansion zones, with Both ENDS playing a facilitating and supporting role. RSPO read and acknowledge issues, will take more action to address issues in 2018. - 1 proposal on the broader uptake of the jurisdictional approach which was adopted by the Sabah government last year, using RSPO as a framework for sustainable palm oil production. The Sabah regulation was presented as a milestone and good example for local authorities and policy makers in The Netherlands and Asia: Both ENDS conducted meetings with different stakeholders in Sabah and discussed the option of a meta analysis into jurisdictional approach experiences in Borneo so far to serve as an example for other palm oil producing Southern countries (discussed with the Secretariat of the Amsterdam Declarations) - 1 proposal on holistic landscape approach, community-led practices as a good example and gender equality as a crucial component of the landscape approach was discussed during knowledge sessions of the Dutch Landscape Platform attended by Dutch policy-makers, private sector and CSOs, which was co-organised by Both ENDS and presentations of experiences in the South were presented.
2 proposals for improvement to limit the influence of MNEs (including Dutch companies) within the agri-commodity sector on the UNCCD, SDGs, Dutch international policies discussed by public and private sector decision makers. 1 proposal for improvement of private sector instrument promoting agroecology (promoting sustainable community based practices and participation of land users in policy processes) discussed by policy makers or academia. 1 proposal for improved implementation of FPIC is discussed by Dutch private and public sector. 1 proposal for improvement regarding the VGGTs discussed in the Dutch policy agenda of the new government (BuHa-OS and EZ). 1 proposal for improvement regarding the implementation of the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund discussed by Drynet. 1 proposal for the introduction of Participatory Land Use Plan is being discussed by CSOs and local authorities 1 proposal developed by CSOs in Indonesia, Kenya, Zambia or Cameroon for integration of international land governance standards (e.g. VGGTs, SDGs, FPIC, RSPO, IFC Performance Standards) in local land administration practices discussed by local authorities and corporate land-users (eg. the jurisdictional approach). 2 proposals developed in collaboration with partners to policy makers to make the production and sourcing of internationally-traded agro-commodities more sustainable and to improve implementation of FPIC, deforestation and sustainability targets in Dutch and international policy processes and import policies, specifically addressing the use of agro-commodities in biofuels. 2 proposals developed by CSOs in Indonesia and West Africa discussed with local authorities and corporate actors to improve land governance practices in palm oil producing regions. 2 Dutch or EU policies on import of agro-commodities improved and/or implemented towards 100% sustainable-certified palm oil imports. 1 proposal presented on improved measures under the Canal Concession presented in a press conference or other form of media both (national or international fora)
1. 1 proposal -FGG has successfully engaged scientists from the university of Berne in debates around Land Degradation Neutrality, by means of jointly developing a scientific article, to be published in the Journal on Environmental Science and Policy to increase the knowledge base for well-informed policy-making on the contribution of community-based initiatives to Land Degradation Neutrality and the enabling environment that supports these initiatives. 2.3 proposal - Discussions with and proposal to Food and Agricultural Organisation, Global Environmental Facility and Fonds Francaise de Environnement Mondial about creating an enabling policy environment for community based initiatives on agroecology. This is a first step in cooperation with FAO on agroecology. Drynet members are included in this cooperation. 5. 1 proposal - Input gathered, developed and submitted on Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) of the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund and IDH through the UNCCD CSO panel by a cooperation of Both ENDS, a Peruvian partner and Environmental Monitoring Group. This TAF should ensure that projects on sustainable land use and restoration become bankable for commercial investments. It was a condition of the parties of the UNCCD to install a TAF. 6.(1) 2 CSOs in West Kalimantan discuss proposals for adoption of participatory land mapping methods in formal land administration procedures by district governments in Sanggau District and Ketapang District. Both ENDS provided financial and strategic support. 8.a: (2) 15 CSO and indigenous peoples representatives from Colombia, Surinam, Paraguay, Peru , Cameroon, Indonesia, the DRC, Malaysia, Liberia, Guyana and Argentina met with Dutch, English, French and EU politicians to address a robust and human-rights consistent EU Action Plan on Deforestation and Forest Degradation and ancillary measures for regulation of EU trade and investment in forest-risk sectors. Both ENDS facilitated these visits. It resulted in an EU resolution calling on the EU Commission to develop concrete and coherent regulatory measures to address EU trade and investment in forest-risk sectors and EU import of ‘embodied deforestation’. The Norwegian Government on behalf of the Amsterdam Declarations governments called for “an ambitious EU Action Plan on deforestation and forest degradation“ and the final French National Strategy on Imported Deforestation included several clear improvements along the lines of joint submissions made by this group on the consultation draft. 8.b: (1) 4 CSOs from Indonesia, Liberia and the DRC and 1 human rights defender from Colombia supported to meet with French media and French politicians in Paris, attend and speak at the RSPO European Roundtable in Paris, attend and speak at the Amsterdam Declarations Partnership Multistakeholder Meeting in Paris, and meet with representatives of the EU Commission Directorates of Trade, Environment, Climate and Energy and with representatives of the EU Eternal Action Service in Brussels in June 2018 to discuss concrete proposals for improvement of corporate conduct, EU supply chains and investments in forest-risk sectors. 9. (1) proposals developed by 3 CSOs in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, for improved land governance practices in palm oil plantation areas discussed with palm oil plantation companies and local, district and provincial government representatives. The West Kalimantant provincial government is becoming increasingly interested in land-management and land conflict issues and prompted into action by partners demonstrating how little the provincial government knows about the status of the palm oil industry in its jurisdiction. Both ENDS supported the CSOs strategically and financially.
13 proposals on the improvement of: land degradation neutrality; global land outlook; land tenure and land user rights; implementation of FPIC and gender sensitive targets; investments in fossil fuel by pension funds; palm oil production; flower and seed production; monitoring water quality in relation to the textile and leather industry. The vision of Rich Forest and southern partners related to agroecology taken up in 4 policy instruments: of Topsector Natuurinclusieve landbouw, Agrifood, agroforestry platform, RVO, Local governments, EZ, IenM, and/or BuZa.
1. 2 Proposals: Local land authorities in Indonesia discuss the integration of international best practices (e.g. VGGTs) and human rights norms (e.g. FPIC) in local authority land administration practices, after meetings with CSOs, which have jointly strategized with Both ENDS. 2. 2 Proposals for recognition of participatory land use plans and inclusive land governance processes are considered by local authorities in Indonesia and Africa after joint strategizing with Both ENDS. 3. 1 proposal for improvement: 4. Dutch policy-makers discuss 1 proposal for improvement of Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation policies to be supportive to agro-ecological practices of local CSOs. The proposal is based upon experiences of local CSOs from Asia, Africa and Latin America, and the agenda-setting is a result from joint strategizing between these CSOs and Both ENDS, and advocacy meetings of Both ENDS with Dutch policy-makers. 5. 1 proposal: for improvement related to the implementation of the VGGT in Dutch policies and programmes discussed with Southern and Northern CSOs (from Asia, Africa and Latin America), policy-makers, companies and financial institutions, more specifically related to land governance in the infrastructure sector, cases in the South, trade missions, FPIC or the implementation of the VGGT in general. 6. 1 proposal for improvement of the global commodity certification platform (the RSPO) to develop transparent framework for jurisdictional certification to address systemic challenges in the implementation of sustainability standards. Both ENDS and local partners (primarily from Asia) contribute to this framework through participation in the RSPO working group. 7. 1 proposal for improvement of regulations on agrocommodities discussed by local, regional or national authorities with local CSOs in Indonesia, Latin America or Africa, in which Both ENDS collaborates with the local CSOs on strategizing, information exchange and evidence building.
LAND 1. (1)1 proposal by a partner in West Kalimantan, discussed with and supported by the West Kalimantan Provincial Plantation Office, Third Assistant of the Governor of West Kalimantan Province, and heads of plantation, land and economic divisions of several district governments in West Kalimantan, based on evidence of systematic legal-noncompliance and rights violations by key industry players, to reform the West Kalimantan Provincial Government’s plantation sector governance framework to improve concession governance, cross-agency information sharing, transparency and monitoring of the palm oil plantation industry. 2. (1) 1 proposal by an Indonesian partner discussed with and supported by the Ketapang District Government in West Kalimantan to enact district-level regulations for the recognition of Indigenous peoples’ collective land and forest rights, including rights to FPIC. (1)1 proposal by an Indonesian partner discussed with staff of the Office of the President, the Indonesian Ombudsman Representative in Central Sulawesi, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning / National Land Agency office in Central Sulawesi, the Central Sulawesi Provincial Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Central Sulawesi Forest Service, and North Morowali District Government Plantation and Animal Husbandry Office, to address maladministration in the governance of oil palm plantations, increase inter-agency cooperation and information sharing, transparency and monitoring, based on documented evidence of systemic non-compliance with licensing procedures, environmental impact requirements, land tenure requirements, and state revenue obligations. (2) 2 participatory land-use plans and communal land governance proposals developed by two Indonesian partners and with local communities in Ketapang District, West Kalimantan, and Pulang Pisau District, Central Kalimantan, respectively were submitted and discussed with village and district governments for verification and approval. Proposed communal land governance schemes in both areas have received political support at the village and district levels, but formal recognition of communal land rights requires ongoing advocacy at district and national government levels. 3. (1) In collaboration with ActionAid, Both ENDS has started an exchange with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. During this exchangepossibilities are proposed to support agroecological practices of CSOs through the Rome Based Agencies, IFAD, FAO, WFP as well as Dutch Development Corporation. A lunch lecture with government and civil society representatives, scientists and farmers has been organised to explore the innovative role of agroecology in transforming food and agroecological systems. This trajectory is expected to be continued in 2020. 4. (1)1 proposal discussed on improved corporate conduct related to land governance and women’s rights: Both ENDS and local CSOs developed a one pager with information on land governance and women’s land rights in Nigeria and proposals for companies and the Dutch embassy on how to ensure land rights are respected as input for the Dutch trade mission to Nigeria in July 2019. The input was discussed with policy-makers, organizers of the trade mission and companies during a preparatory meeting. Follow up meetings took place to evaluate and define further steps with regards to trade missions. Both ENDS played an active role in this process through its membership in the organizing committee of the LANDdialogue and reached out to local CSOs to gather their inputs. EXTRA: (1) 1 proposal discussed on improved integration of women’s land rights in the work of 7 different departments of the MinFA, through meetings with policy makers working on topics ranging from trade to food security, investments and sustainable economic growth. It resulted in amongst others increased knowledge about women’s land rights amongst policy makers, concrete ideas on the integration of women’s land rights in their public events and processes. Both ENDS, together with Action Aid coordinated the group of NGO and academic experts, as well as the input from local CSOs. (1) proposal promoted on participatory land use in Zambia, a Zambian partner has forged alliances with the Monze Municipal Council, the Department of Forestry and traditional leaders to validate participatory community land use maps, approve natural resource management by-laws and collaborate on the registration of traditional land holding certificates, especially for women. Both ENDS supported this work financially. AGRICOM 1.(1) A comprehensive proposal for auditing, verification and certification of palm oil production at the jurisdiction level in accordance with global environmental and human rights norms has been developed and released for public consultation, with vigorous participation and input from Both ENDS and partners from LLMICs. Development of this jurisdictional certification model continues, with further public consultation planned in March 2020. Both ENDS remains actively involved in the RSPO working group developing the model. 2. (1) An Indian partner, Both ENDS and RSPO-India office had a joint meeting with the Dutch embassy to explore options for enhanced dialogue and come to a roadmap, especially in consultation with the Indian government, to involve India, as the world’s largest importer of palm oil and with an emerging domestic palm oil small holder sector, in the transition towards sustainable palm oil (towards a ‘Delhi Declaration’) – thereby emphasizing that RSPO standard to be the norm – with strong safeguards with respect to women rights, labor, climate and the environment. Both ENDS and RSPO jointly assisted the Dutch Ministry of FA and Ministry of LNV and the embassy with preparation of a meeting between a ministerial delegation with Indian CSOs and corporations to discuss next steps. (This is also reported under GAGGA, since a joint effort) EXTRA: 51 concrete proposals for improved transparency and governance of agri-commodity supply chains and investments developed in collaboration with Southern partners discussed with Dutch Government representatives (BUZA & LNV) and representatives of the Amsterdam Declarations Partnership during the 2019 Sustainability Week events in Utrecht. Representatives of CSOs from Liberia, Paraguay and Indonesia were facilitated by Both ENDS to attend these meetings and events and present evidence of unsustainable practices and human rights violations implicated in Dutch and EU supply chains and present proposals for improved industry regulation and corporate conduct. EXTRA: (8) A joint submission from Both ENDS in collaboration with other Dutch environmental CSOs for rights-based EU regulatory reforms to reduce imported deforestation and reduce human rights violations in EU supply chains in response to the European Commission’s Communication on ‘Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests’ discussed with the Dutch Government (LNV) with 8 clear proposals for improving corporate conduct in major EU agri-commodity supply chains. EXTRA: (22) Both ENDS and 12 partners from Europe and tropical forest countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa developed collective positions set out in two written submissions to the European Commission’s public consultations on the ‘Roadmap on Deforestation and Forest Degradation’ and ‘Deforestation and Forest Degradation – Stepping up EU Action’ with 22 clear and concrete proposals for supply and demand-side measures to improve corporate conduct, transparency and governance of EU agri-commodity supply chains and investments. EXTRA: 1 proposal to improve subsidiary and supplier monitoring and transparency regarding environmental, social and labour rights violations developed and proposed by an Indonesian partner, with financial support and strategic advice from Both ENDS, to the largest palm oil trading company in West Kalimantan. This company subsequently approached the Indonesian partner to invite them to undertake monitoring activities regarding the companies' suppliers in West Kalimantan. Extra: (1) The book ‘Wild Tastes in India. Coming home to the Forest for Food’, a joint CSO publication covering forest foods in 5 Asian countries, emphasizing the role of women as knowledge bearers is a co-production supported by NTFP-EP Asia, Both ENDS, IUCN-NL, SDC, Misereor and SSNC. The book is widely distributed amongst over 500 CSOs and policy makers, as a tool for awareness raising and capacity building, and a broader dissemination is planned for. 1. (1) 9 CSOs in Latin America (Guatemala, Peru, and Ecuador) and Indonesia were financially supported by Both ENDS to build their skills and capacities on FPIC, women’s and community rights, freedom of information rights and access to grievance mechanisms, in order to advance local communities’ responses to negative aspects of palm oil expansion. As a result, several groups have engaged with the RSPO to raise community grievances or have initiated bilateral discussions with corporate and government stakeholders to address evidence of systemic corporate misconduct from a structural perspective.
1.Two proposals for improvement of environmental and human rights protections and corporate accountability mechanisms in regulations on agrocommodities discussed by local, regional or national authorities with local CSOs in Indonesia, Latin America or Africa, in which Both ENDS collaborates with the local CSOs on strategizing, information exchange and evidence building. 2. One proposal for improvement of community and smallholder engagement, Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), land rights and labour standards in private sector sustainability practices in the palm oil sector will be discussed by civil society groups in West Kalimantan with at least one major palm oil trading company. 3. 2 proposals: Two local authorities in Indonesia discuss proposals from CSOs for inclusion of participatory tenure recognition processes and international best practice on land and forest governance (e.g. Voluntary guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure (VGGTs) and FPIC) in land and forest management frameworks. Both ENDS is financially supporting these partners in this work and contributes to the development of their capacities for lobbying and advocacy on land governance issues. 4. 1 proposal: for improvement measures related to the implementation of the VGGTs in the Dutch infrastructure sector (including dredging companies, financial institutions and governmental bodies) discussed with Southern (from Asia, Africa and Latin America) and Northern CSOs, policy-makers and the infrastructure sector. Both ENDS is a participant in the process and lobbies for participation of Southern partners and bring in their concerns. 5. 1 proposal on implementation of the VGGTs and land tenure, with specific attention to gender equality, will be discussed by UNCCD focal points/national policy makers and CSOs; during a training module co-organised by FAO, UNCCD and BE. This is in line with CSOs and Both ENDS support for the implementation of the UNCCD COP14-decision on the VGGTs. 6. Both ENDS together with Drynet develop a proposal on the upscaling and duplication of community initiatives on sustainable land use and restoration. This proposal will be presented to the UNCCD and funds such as GEF and LDNF. It will be presented and discussed by states during the next UNCCD meeting. 7. 1 proposal for improvement: Dutch policy-makers discuss 1 proposal for improvement of Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation policies to be (financially) supportive of agroecological practices of local CSOs. The proposal is based upon experiences of local CSOs from Asia, Africa and Latin America, and the agenda-setting is a result from joint strategizing between these CSOs, Dutch CSOs and Both ENDS, and advocacy meetings of Both ENDS with Dutch policy-makers. 8. 1 proposal for improvement of the global commodity certification platform (the RSPO): The RSPO General Assemblee discusses, develops and approves a Jurisdictional Approach framework to guide RSPO members and government to achieve sustainable palm oil production at landscape level – at the scale of a political jurisdiction, such as a district (e.g. in Kalimantan), state (Sabah, Malaysia) or country (Ecuador). Both ENDS (which co-initiated the first outline and discussions around Jurisdictional Approach within the RSPO Board), collaborates with companies and NGOs to prepare the draft Framework and gain wider NGO input during the public consultation process and its finalization.
1. (i) Both ENDS facilitated the drafting of a joint NGO statement with local partners, including proposals on ways to address negative social and environmental effects of monoculture palm oil plantations. This statement, Kota Kinabalu Statement, was discussed in the Malaysian media (1) and distributed by several partners in their respective countries https://www.bothends.org/uploaded_files/inlineitem/1yhe_Kota_Kinabalu_Statement_on_Palm_Oil_and_Freedom.pdf .
(ii) Both ENDS and partners drafted an expert review report with proposals for improvement (1) about ISCC, the leading EU-RED certification scheme: ’Looking under the hood of the ISCC: Questions about transparency and accountability’’. Both ENDS, as part of the RSPO Board, discussed these proposals with RSPO businesses during the RSPO Round Table in 2020 and this has led to increased awareness amongst RSPO palm oil corporations.
2. Various palm oil growers/traders discussed proposals for improvement on small holder palm oil growers, upon initiative of two CSOs and Both ENDS. In this process, the RSPO General Assemblee accepted a new tailored standard for small holder palm oil growers. (1)
3. See extra result. It was decided that the focus would shift
4. During a series of confidential meetings with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ADSB and Van Oord, Both ENDS discussed proposals (4) on improving due diligence of the Dutch ECA and infrastructure companies. Both ENDS for example put forward that ADSB and exporters like Van Oord should introduce a policy to assess specific (potential) impacts on women. Other proposals were that in category A and B projects ADSB should always do site visits to get the view of local communities and that ADSB should be more transparent on the identified risks in a specific project.
5. Drynet members formulated proposals (2) in the development of FAO Technical Guide on the implementation of the VGGTs in Land Degradation Neutrality and discussed these with the FAO and UNCCD team. Both ENDS advised and gave input where needed (directly and as member of the board).
6. Did not take place, due to COVID-19 and postponed processes.
7. In 2020, Both ENDS has collaborated with Profundo Research & advice to analyse Dutch ODA spending on food & agriculture and the extent to which it has been supportive of agroecological approaches. We shared and discussed this study with policymakers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality during several calls. During these calls we also spoke about a set of recommendations on how Dutch policies can be more supportive of agroecology in general, and CSOs in the Global South implementing agroecology on the ground in particular. The policymakers responded positively to several of our recommendations, but did not make any concrete commitments yet. (2)
8. Both ENDS co-designed the initial framework of the RSPO Jurisdictional Approach, which is now adopted and piloted in Sabah, Malaysia, Ecuador and 3 districts in Indonesia. Both ENDS participated in the RSPO JA WG. (already mentioned somewhere else, so 0)
EXTRA: 1 proposal on improvements and impacts of a palm oil investments in Indonesia was discussed between a local CSO, community representatives and palm oil companies, buyers and fund supporter, after a complaint was filed to two palm oil companies. The company, buyer and fund supporter were responsive, yet we wait for actual follow-up. One other palm oil company did not respond so far. The partner and BE collaborated on the development of the complaint (incl. fact-finding) and the process after submission. BE’s role was primarily at a strategic level, to support and advise the partner in the complaint with our knowledge and experience with complaints and companies (3)
Outcome B: Capacities Strengthened
Increased capacity of civil society actors to research, network and advocate in relation to the conduct of corporations.
1.B
# CSOs in LLMICs that lobby and advocate for responsible corporate conduct based on increased skills, knowledge or network contacts.
All baselines are set at 0
- 2 Mutually strenghtened capacities of 2 Nigerese NGOs (CRESA and INRAN) on future Farmer-Led Regreening strategies, including lobby and advocacy towards local, national and international policies. - 7 Capacities strengthened of 7 CSOs of LLMIC on UNCCD lobby and advocacy on land degradation and restoration. - 1 Capacities strengtened of 1Bangladeshi NGO (JJS) in training and supporting local committees in their lobby and advocacy towards local governments in Bangladesh. - 1 Capacity strengthened of 1 local Indonesian CSO (ELSAM) to support palm oil affected communities, which lead to an capacity building activities reaching 20 local CSOs - 6 Mutually strengthened capacities of 6 CSOs of LLMIC on palm oil related issues and avenues to claim rights - 3 Strategy meeting with 3 local CSOs of LLMIC (SER and Sobrevivencia from Paraguay, Probioma from Bolivia) and development of Theory of Change on agrocommodities and agroecology - 4 Capacities strengthened of 4 CSOs of LLMIC on FPIC, resulting in increased ability to take up their case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights - 2 1 CSO in Cameroon (CENDEP) adn 1 NGO in Indonesia (Riak Bumi) are strenghtened in sustainable agriculture
- 3 CSOs (1CSO from LLMIC) capacity strengthened to network and lobby for local communities whose rights are infringed on by expansion of oil palm in Latin America through increased knowledge on the RSPO and support of Both ENDS for their activities, which consequently strengthened their skills in their claim-making process at IACHR. - 5 Network of Latin American organisations (in total 6 CSOs from LLMIC, 5 additional) working in palm oil expansion zones in the region used new network to further exchange knowledge and share strategies for joint interventions. - 1 Capacities strengthened of 1 NGO (LLMIC) on the spread of harmful monoculture expansion through the organisation of a series of meetings with scientists, experts, affected people and policy makers on our food production model, its impact and alternatives in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz with a total of 560 participants (293 men and 267 women). Through FGG 7 groups from Paraguay and Argentina were able to partipate. - 1 Capacities strengthened of an indigenous group in Paraguay (1 CSO from LLMIC) - working together with scientist to learn how to analyse water quality in an area surrounded by large scale agriculture (mais and soy), video made, to be used for awareness raising and policy influencing. - 1 Knowledge, skills and networks improved of 1 Nicaraguan organisation which on the basis of this, went on to advocate against the Canal concession and HR violations vis -a- vis national and international stakeholders, amonst others the Dutch Embassy in Costa Rica, international press and the private sector. - 0 Strengthened capacities of 1 organisation from Guatemala (1 LLMIC, not additional) on knowledge and information of financial flows with regard to agro commodities, exploring other pressure points besides the national level, with financial support and advising role of Both ENDS. - 7 Mutually strengthened capacities of Drynet (18 CSO members, 8 CSOs of LLMICs in total, 7 additional) on lobby and advocacy on sustainable land use and governance through active participation of members, joint strategizing and joint advocacy at the UNCCD COP13 in Ordos - 3 Mutually strengthened capacities of 3 CSOs in Cameroon and Zambia on knowledge exchange with local communities and Both ENDS as well as strategizing with Both ENDS. This evolved into a plan for action and follow-up related to participatory land use planning and sustainable land use - 5 CSOs in Indonesia that lobby and advocate for responsible corporate conduct are strengthened about their knowledge on international human rights law; international human rights institutions and grievance mechanisms; national human rights commission and non-judicial grievance mechanisms; participatory local land mapping and sustainable land-use planning; dialogue with government land administration agencies; monitoring and sampling for ground and surface water contamination; and community economic and demographic data gathering; all activities and strategies which were developed jointly with Both ENDS and partly with financial support of Both ENDS. - 0 Capacities build of 1 Indonesian CSO (not additional) to organise a seminar on business and human rights for 45 local CSOs, community and women groups and unions which increased knowledge and awarenss of the participants on human rights, FPIC, access to justice, and social and environmental impacts of the palm oil industry and avenues to claim rights through the CSOs RSPO Outreach Program. Both ENDS contributed by providing input and facilitating access to the RSPO Outreach Program. - 1 capacities on network contacts and knowledge strengthened of 2 CSOs (1 LLMIC) to design and negotiate an RSPO Outreach programme agreement with the RSPO Secretariat, supported by Both ENDS as initiator and advisor regarding the RSPO Outreach Programme. - 6 Knowledge, skills and networks of 6 local CSOs in Indonesia improved on participation and justice in relation to river basin management, water quality monitoring, domestic and industrial waste management practices, and participatory water management practices through the Indonesia Water Community of Practice and with support of Both ENDS (financially and on strategic level. - 0 NGO: Grassroots International facilitates the drafting of a legal review in response to the Malaysian Federal Court’s rulings nullifying the status of Native Customary (forest) Rights (NCR) claims in Sarawak. The objective is to influence the native land rights discourse in Sarawak-Malaysia and internationally. Both ENDS assists Grassroots and experts with placing the review into an international context of international (common) law, linking to the debate within RSPO re. legality of palm oil plantation permits and customary land in Indonesia and other key palm oil production countries. - 1 CSO: (Nigeria): increased lobby and advocacy skills in their work to protect land rights of over 1 million people (180 indigenous communities) affected by the construction of a super highway, through financial support of Both ENDS, joint strategizing and knowledge exchange with Both ENDS and experts, resulting in a case against the government of Nigeria (Ministry of Environment) in which the Court has given the government the opportunity to come forward with answers to the concerns being raised by the local CSO about flaws in the EIA. Meanwhile, the local CSO has generated publicity around this case – including the demand that sources of funding for this project are disclosed by the Governor of Cross Rover State - by organising press meetings and feeding the press with facts and figures.
1. 4 CSOs in Zambia, Indonesia, Kenya and Cameroon that lobby and advocate for participatory land use plans are mutually strengthened 2. 8 CSOs in Indonesia, Latin America and West Africa lobby and advocate for responsible land governance and sustainable land use in private and public policies and lending arrangements. 3. 8 CSOs and 12 CBO's in agro-commodity producing areas in Indonesia, Latin America and West Africa have increased knowledge, skills and networks in relation to the FPIC principle, the rights of access to information, participation and redress for rights-violations, in relation to agro-commodity plantations and operations and related social, cultural, gender and economic issues, and international avenues to claim their rights, and develop lobby and advocacy strategies. 4. 2 CSO's who support CBO's in Indonesia, Latin America or West Africa bring land-use grievances to RSPO or other grievance mechanisms as part of lobby and advocacy strategies. 5. 4 CSOs in Indonesia, Latin America, West Africa and Kenya trained on community mapping and/or participatory land-use planning practices, technologies or techniques as means to advocating for responsible corporate conduct. 6. 2 CSO’s that are part of the Nicaraguan CSO network have increased knowledge, skills and networks to advocate for a legal framework which ensures respect for human rights and environmental integrity under the Canal Concession (including effective consultation, access to information, protection from forced evictions etc)
1. (14) 15 CSOs from Zambia (1), Cameroon (1), Senegal (1), Indonesia (7), Thailand (0), Philippines (2), Cambodia (1) and Nepal (1) have exchanged their knowledge and experiences on succesful practices and challenges surrounding the recognition of participatory land-use plans during a two-day workshop organised by Both ENDS in Jakarta, Indonesia in September 2018, and developed joint-strategies for collective lobby and advocacy initiatives on secure communal tenure and livelihood rights. As a result of this workshop, organisations have started to engage with each other online and are expected to further collaborate with Both ENDS and each other on a more regional level in 2019. 2. (6) 6 CSOs in Indonesia were supported to lobby and advocate for responsible land governance and sustainable land use through negotiations with palm oil plantation companies, local and district government representatives, smallholder cooperatives, the Indonesian RSPO and non-Indonesian RSPO members. Both ENDS supported through a combination of financial support, strategy development, linking with other Indonesian CSO's and supporting access to international palm oil sector forums (RSPO Roundtable). In comparison to 2017, these organisations engaged in more strategic lobby and advocacy activities with a clearer strategy to target key decision-makers. 2. (8)8 CSOs from LLMIC - Drynet members (19 CSOs from 20 countries) exchange intelligence & information, organise themselves and engage with policy makers on UNCCD and related subjects like Land Degradation Neutrality and the LDN Fund through the facilitation of the Drynet secretariat that is hosted by EMG in South Africa. Both ENDS supported financially, co-chaired the Drynet Board and actively stimulates both knowledge and strategy development. 3. (6) 15 CSO and indigenous peoples representatives from Colombia (2), Surinam (1), Paraguay (1), Peru (2), Cameroon (1), Indonesia (2), the DRC (1), Malaysia (1), Liberia (2), Guyana (1) and Argentina (1) have exchanged knowledge, experience and strategies for engaging European companies and decision-making bodies on EU forest-risk supply chains during a three-day workshop in Amsterdam organised by Both ENDS and Forest Peoples Program in February 2018 regarding 'Human Rights, Deforestation and Supply Chains'. Since the workshop this group has provided joint submissions to several UN human rights and indigenous peoples consultations, the EU organisations, the French Government, the Amsterdam Declarations Governments and the RSPO. 3. [15] NGOs and CSOs from Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Peru improved capacity for rights claiming processes, FPIC, and local evidence gathering in support of case building, in response to agro-commodity (especially palm oil) expansion in their countries. Strong focus on impact on women's rights and female leadership development. Result of a three day workshop and field trip in Guatemala in November 2018, held in conjuction with researchers and experts from Both ENDS and Italian NGO Source International. 4. (1) 1 CSO in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, supported communities impacted by palm oil plantation operations to bring 10 complaints to the RSPO complaints mechanism. Both ENDS supported through a combination of financial support, strategy development, linking with other Indonesian CSOs and supporting access to the RSPO platform and grievance mechanism. 5. (5) 5 CSOs in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, supported to develop their capacities on community land mapping, land use planning and community empowerment in communal land governance in the context of land-use conflicts with palm oil plantation companies or government agencies. Both ENDS provided funding, strategy development support, linked these CSOs with other organisations with expertise on community mapping and land-use planning and facilitated skill and knowledge sharing and networking between them. 5. (0)1 Peruvian partner reports expanded capacities of community leaders in Peruvian Amazon in use of land use mapping instruments (GPS etc) aquired after training made possible by Both ENDS' support in 2018. Resulted in ancestral land map of their community used in advocacy process towards local government to claim land titles. 6. (16) EXTRA: 22 representatives from 16 Malaysian and Indonesian CSOs supported to network, exchange experiences and develop joint strategies for collaboration on responsible corporate conduct in the Indonesian and Palm oil sectors on Borneo Island and joint fundraising initiatives. 7. (2) Both ENDS and 2 Indonesian partners advocated recognition of traditional land use systems OMO and UMI in respectively Jambi, Sumtra and Kalimantan in a context of palm oil expansion. A joint presentation was successfully prepared for the RSPO Round Table plenary meeting in Sabah, Nov 2018. This is an ongoing process of awareness raising. 8. (2) 2 CSOs from Togo and Moldova advocated for the development and implementation of the CSO L&A strategy for inclusion of responsible land tenure guidelines in UNCCD COP decision. This was enabled through the position of the Nathalie from Both ENDS as elected member of UNCCD CSO panel (through mobilization of CSOs, awareness raising through newsletter, strategy development, presentations). (2) Extra: Both ENDS and 2 CSOs in West Kalimantan have been engaging with district government officials in Sanggau and Ketapang Districts to lobby for the implementation of national Agrarian Reform policies, have been supporting the development of uniform implementing regulations for adoption by district governments, and advocating for the implementation of those regulations to achieve the Agrarian Reform goals. Both ENDS supported these CSOs both strategically and financially.
Capacities of 13 CSO's are strengthened in the following area's: lobby/advocacy: towards (inter)national institutions; for participatory local land use plans; for productive and resilient ecosystems; towards the textile and leather industries; protection and improvement of ground - and surfacewater. Knowledge, skills and networks of 18 CSO's are improved: on the FPIC principle; on rights of access to information, participation and justice; on palm oil related issues and avenues to claim rights; on the spread of harmful monoculture expansion.
1. 2 CSOs from Moldavia and Togo have improved capacities to coordinate the advocacy of the UNCCD CSOs for the implementation of the VGGT in the UNCCD decisions, through increased understanding of the VGGT and joint strategizing with the CSO network (in which Both ENDS plays a facilitating role) and mutually exchanging experiences and knowledge through their membership of the UNCCD CSO panel. 2. 7 CSOs from Drynet (Bolivia, India, Mali, Mauritania, Pakistan, Senegal, Togo) increased their lobby and advocacy skills on the VGGT implementation in COP14 decisions through joint strategizing, financial support and knowledge sharing (in which Both ENDS plays a facilitating role) and mutually exchanges experiences and knowledge in Drynet. 3. 8 CSOs in Africa and Asia are strengthened on inclusive land governance techniques, skills and practices through knowledge exchange and strategizing (possibly with external experts), resulting in strengthened local, national and international lobby and advocacy. Both ENDS will play a facilitating role, supporting knowledge and experience exchange and will liaise with contacts in our network where needed. 4. 2 international CSO networks with members in LLMICs (Drynet and an African network on trade and agro-ecology) have expanded their knowledge and skills on advocacy on agroecology through mutual capacity development, knowledge exchange and mutual funding activities. 5. 11 CSOs in agro-commodity producing countries (especially Indonesia, Latin America, and West-Africa) have increased knowledge, skills and networks in relation to the FPIC principle, the rights to access to information, participation and redress for rights-violations, gathering scientific evidence for monitoring land and water contamination, in relation to agro-commodity plantations and operations. This enables them to organize effective lobby and advocacy. Herein social, cultural, gender and economic issues are taken into account and international avenues to claim rights are used. Both ENDS will play a facilitating role in exchanging knowledge, and will collaborate with CSOs in terms of joint strategizing. 6. 2 CSOs increased their capacities to support CBOs in Indonesia, Latin America or West Africa (especifically in Latin America: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru and Colombia) on their knowledge and network to bring land-use related grievances to the RSPO or other grievance mechanisms, with a facilitating role for Both ENDS and collaboration in terms of joint strategizing. 7. 4 CSOs from South East Asia and Latin America increase capacity to gather new evidence, expertise and practices for community-based water monitoring in relation to contamination from industrial monoculture plantations for lobby and advocacy on women's rights, environmental rights, and corporate accountability. Both ENDS will play a facilitating role in exchanging knowledge, and will collaborate with CSOs in terms of joint strategizing.
LAND 1. 2 CSOs from Moldova and Togo who are in the CSO panel of UNCCD have improved their capacity to organize this lobby which eventually contributed to the decision being taken at COP 14 to implement the VGGT in the UNCCD. BE contributed through the mutual exchange and development of knowledge, experience and skills (a.o. on VGGTs and governance of tenure of land). 2.5 CSOs from Drynet (India, Mali, Pakistan, Senegal and Togo) have improved their capacity to lobby which eventually contributed to the decision being taken at COP 14 to implement the VGGT in the UNCCD. BE contributed through the mutual exchange of knowledge, experience and skills (a.o. on VGGTs and local governance of land tenure). Extra: (52) CSOs from 25 LLMICs present at the 14th Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (Delhi, India), were well organized (through advocacy capacity development by the 5 members of the UNCCD CSO panel (next to Both ENDS, 4 CSOs from Togo, Moldova, Argentina and China) and by Both ENDS partners joined in Drynet) and jointly pushed forward (e.g. well-prepared CSO interventions in the COP negotiations) the importance of implementation of the VGGTs in a COP14 decision. The UN member states decided to implement the VGGT in policies regarding land degradation, land restoration and sustainable land use. And they decided to further implement the Gender Action Plan and strengthen gender-responsive monitoring. 3. (21) 30 representatives of 22 CSOs from 5 Asian LLMICs (India, Nepal, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia) have increased their knowledge, understanding and network contacts in relation to lobby and advocacy activities on communal land rights, inclusive land governance and community-based paralegal initiatives through participation in a regional workshop co-organised, co-convened and funded by Both ENDS in Bogor, Indonesia, in partnership with a local partner, on the topic of ‘Community Legal Empowerment for Inclusive Land Justice: Linking and Learning Workshop on Community Paralegal Initiatives’. 4. (27) A total of 25 different East-African CSOs (3 Tanzanian, 12 Kenyan, 7 Ugandan, 1 Burundian and 2 Rwandan) have expanded their knowledge, lobby & advocacy skills and possibilities of collaboration around the implications of trade liberalization and associated intellectual property rights protection on the seed security of smallholder farmers in the region. Both ENDS has facilitated the linking of trade groups with agricultural NGOs and farmer groups by providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. 4. (5) Both ENDS developed together with Drynet members and other CSO’s (8 CSOs in total, of which 5 CSOs from LLMICs: India, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, Kenya and Senegal) a publication on public finance for agroecology. It was distributed at several international events on sustainable land use e.g. the UNCCD COP14 during a side event on finance for community based initiatives which led to increased knowledge on the creation of an enabling environment on agroecology. AGROCOM: 1. (1) In Zambia, a partner has worked with local communities to set up self-managed saving groups and create study circles for exchange of knowledge on (amongst others) land issues; has supported Community Land Advocacy Committees to develop advocacy plans; and has facilitated resolving more than sixty land disputes as well as issuing more than a 100 traditional land holding certificates. Both ENDS has supported the partner financially after helping to strategically brainstorm on the continuation of working with the respective communities. 2. result is confidential 3. (3) Both ENDS facilitated and supported a joint collaboration between 3 Indonesian partners to combine and share their expertise on gender, water quality monitoring and business and human rights policy, facilitate mutual capacity development, and undertake joint community-based action research in two palm oil plantation regions in West Kalimantan (Sambas and Ketapang Districts). This collaboration resulted in the establishment of two community-based women’s groups trained in participatory water-quality monitoring, increased community awareness of the health and environmental issues associated with contamination of communal water supplies and rivers from oil palm plantations, and generation of baseline data on community water contamination, plantation pesticides and fertilizers, and associated health and livelihood impacts. This has resulted in new, stronger and coordinated lobby and advocacy initiatives to address poor governance of the palm oil sector in West Kalimantan.
1. 25 CSOs in agro-commodity producing countries (especially Indonesia, Latin America, and West-Africa) have increased knowledge, skills and networks in relation to the Free Prior and Informed Concept (FPIC) principle, the rights to access to information, participation and redress for rights-violations, gathering scientific evidence for monitoring land and water contamination, in relation to agro-commodity plantations and operations. This enables them to organize effective lobby and advocacy on corporate accountability, environmental and human rights issues. Herein social, cultural, gender and economic issues are taken into account and international avenues to claim rights are used. Both ENDS will play a facilitating role in exchanging knowledge, creating space and opportunities for exchanges between civil society actors, and will collaborate with CSOs in terms of joint strategizing and programming. 2. Three CSOs have increased their capacities to support communities and CBOs in Indonesia, Latin America or West Africa (in Latin America: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru and Colombia) on their knowledge and network to bring land-use related grievances to the RSPO or other grievance mechanisms. Both ENDS will take on a facilitating role and will support the capacity development through joint strategizing. 3.Five CSOs from South East Asia and Latin America increase capacity to gather new evidence, expertise and practices for community-based water monitoring in relation to contamination from industrial monoculture plantations in order to lobby and advocate on women's rights, environmental rights, and corporate accountability. Both ENDS will play a facilitating role in exchanging knowledge, and will collaborate with CSOs in terms of joint strategizing. 4.(2) 2 CSOs from the UNCCD CSO Panel ( from Togo, Moldova, China, Argentina) support the establishment of a new CSO panel in 2020 to ensure they have relevant information and lessons learned from the previous CSO panel, of which BE was an elected member. To improve the handover, Both ENDS will take a leading role by sharing experience and information to coach the newly elected members in their role, aiming to strengthen the roles of the CSO panel on monitoring and CSO-outreach. 5. (1)An ILC (International Land Coalition) CSO platform is established that links locally-managed ecosystems with multilateral environmental agreements like UNCCD, CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) and UNFCCC. In this platform, knowledge and experience will be shared to inform strategies to lobby for locally-managed ecosystems. Both ENDS participates actively in the platform, through knowledge exchange and the organisation of lobby/advocacy. 6. Ten African or Asian CSOs from LLMIC (to be decided) have further collaborated in exchanging inclusive land governance techniques, skills and practices through knowledge exchange and strategizing, which has resulted in strengthened local, national and international lobby and advocacy. Both ENDS will play a facilitating role, supporting knowledge and experience exchange and will liaise with contacts in our network where needed. 7. Six CSOs in West and Central Kalimantan are enabled by Both ENDS to increase their knowledge, skills and capacities to implement community-based paralegal support programs and are facilitated by Both ENDS to collaborate on a joint community paralegal pilot program in West Kalimantan. 8. (6) By facilitating the farmer-to-farmer exchange of knowledge and experiences, a consortium of 6 local NGOs in Kenya has strengthened the capacity of 1,000 tea-farmer households to jointly advocate at relevant government authorities for the support of agroecology combined with responsible watershed management in the tea zones of Aberdare Forest. Both ENDS supports this process through knowledge exchange, joint strategy development and financial support. 9. 1 CSO network from Kenya has actively worked with its members on exchanging knowledge about and developing capacities on farmer-managed seed systems and other agroecological practices to advocate at government authorities for the support of agroecology. Both ENDS will support through knowledge exchange and strategy support.
1. RSPO Outreach Programme implemented (originally initiated by Both ENDS): 70 CSOs/CBOs’ capacities are strengthened through workshops and training on the workings of the RSPO and on how to respond to palm oil-related human rights violations (land rights, women’s rights) through complaint mechanisms or advocacy. Both ENDS plays a go-between between the RSPO and partners, and monitors the implementation of the outreach programme. Local CSOs/CBOs capacitated through BE counterpart CSOs and key contacts, who have used their network and advocacy skills to advocate for improved functioning of the RSPO, including its complaint system.
1. Both ENDS co-hosted an international 5-day CSO information exchange and skill sharing conference in Sabah, Malaysia, including a field trip to an affected community. 17 representatives of CSOs and Indigenous Peoples federations from the following countries took part in this global conference on civil society response to the expansion of palm oil around the world: Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Liberia, Cameroun, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, The Philippines and Malaysia. The workshop focused on sharing information about what is happening in the various localities, on sharing experiences and strategies in resisting this expansion and building a global network of support. Specific attention went out to the gendered impacts of the spread of agro-commodities. with a focus also on the use of the RSPO mechanisms (such as Complaints Panel), building an alternative land use narrative and advocacy tools.
All participants reported leaving with increased awareness and knowledge and new strategies for engagement with the sector in their countries and globally, which they implemented in their respective countries and ongoing advocacy strategies towards local or national governments, or companies. A shared Indonesia-Malaysia Bahasa-English whats-app group has been developed to continue information sharing.
2. In Guatemala a CSO has been supported by Both ENDS with information sharing. Furthermore due to the precarious human rights situation BE acted as a liaison for the CSO and the RSPO Secretariat in which BE forwarded an informal complaint to the RSPO and facilitated subsequent communication. Due to concern for the safety of the local communities following immediate threats, this complaint has not yet been made official or public.
2. In Peru, Both ENDS supported a CSO to increase their community outreach and support activities (especially also in the aftermath of devastating affected of Covid-19 in their area). With the support the CSO has been carrying out monitoring of their lands, building the case against a palm oil company and advocating for their land rights leading to concrete positive changes. (see Fa)
2. Both ENDS supported 3 CSOs and CBOs in addressing pressing land disputes in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Cases include amongst others the still unresolved land conflict with palm oil multinational GAR (Golden Agri Resources) – Both ENDS at the time brokered a direct face-to-face meeting between the leading CSO and sr management of GAR and suggested RSPO DSF mediation but this has still not led to out of court conflict resolution. The afore said CSOs assisted communities to lobby GAR and submit their grievances.
3) Both ENDS – by means of funding, technical assistance and liaison with the RSPO, other NGOs and the involved company - supported and facilitated cross NGO collaboration, involving 2 CSOs and various CBOs, in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia, to enhance community capacity to conduct water monitoring to level evidence on water pollution from pesticides run-off from palm oil estates. Amongst others joint public media campaigns where set up, based upon the research results;
4. The new UNCCD CSO panel has been introduced to the responsibilities and work of the panel, coached by the previous CSO panel (of which Both ENDS was a member) through sharing of lessons learned and relevant information. Both ENDS actively contributed to this hand-over.
5. Was not realized because the platform was not established. (0)
6. In 2020, in collaboration with a Zambian CSO, Both ENDS organised a skill-sharing workshop on inclusive land governance, bringing together a total of 23 participants from 13 different African organizations to exchange knowledge & skills on different L&A strategies and learn from each others experiences. As a follow up, a guidebook was created, including next to the experiences and knowledge of those organisations present during the ,workshop, also input from Asian CSOs (16 in total, Indonesia (11). India (1), Phillipinnes (3), & Nepal (1)) that are part of our informal network https://www.bothends.org/en/Whats-new/Publicaties/Advancing-inclusive-land-governance/ . In total, the joint collaboration and engagement around inclusive land governance has actively involved a total of 29 CSOs from Asia and Africa, who, through the facilitation of Both ENDS, have participated in South-South linking & learning, which they incorporated in their lobby activities in their daily work towards governments at different levels.
7.Not realized: due to COVID-19, priorities shifted
8. Both ENDS has supported a CSO in Kenya and its five member organisations in Kiambu and Murang’a Counties to building community capacities on different agroecological practices (e.g. biopesticides and biofertiliser) through trainings and exchange visits as well as by helping the consortium engage with local authorities around responsible watershed management through multi-stakeholder meetings, and encouraging the promotion of riparian area conservation and rehabilitation in the Aberdare Forest ecosystem through tree planting activities by the communities (more than 3300 trees planted) and by governmental bodies on political policies. Due to COVID-19, the number of participants in each meeting/training needed to be reduced to a maximum of 15, resulting in a total of only 552 community members having participated in activities.
9. This result is reported under ToC2 .
Outcome E: Policies Changed
These include improved government and corporate policies on corporate accountability, including transparency and safeguards policies, conflict resolution mechanisms, and policies promoting social justice, decent work and sustainability.
1.E.a
# mechanisms, policies and regulations improved or introduced by national, regional and international government bodies to ensure companies promote more sustainable practices and are held accountable for respecting human rights and the environment and providing adequate remedy to victims of adverse impacts.
All baselines are set at 0
- Dutch commitment of min FA to the implementation of VGGT in uitvoerdersinstrumentarium voor internationaal ondernemen, ( as part of the Dutch action plan for policy coherence, policy letter 13 june 2016). The long-term focus of the FGG Alliance on the VGGT, the collaboration with local partners and the combination of activities at local, national and international level, led to this policy change. - Allocation mechanism for drinking water is expanded towards two villages in the peri-urban area of Khulna in Bangladesh. Before, the quality of drinking water was insufficient. The Negotiated Approach led to this policy change, through which local inhabitants of the two villages can benefit from improved drinking water. - Sabah government in Malaysia adopts a jurisdictional approach to palm oil and other commodities such as timber, through which the government commits itself to ensure sustainable production of commodities within the political-administrative boundaries of the Sabah state, which is also acknowledged by the RSPO. - Mandatory community land use mapping introduced in RSPO's Dispute Settlement Facility process between company-community and is integrated in RSPO National Interpretation in Indonesia. Introduced and promoted by Both ENDS in role as DSF co-chair. - Within the RSPO, guidelines have been developed and resolutions have been adopted by the RSPO General Assemblee (companies and NGO's) for improving Dispute Settlement Facility, protection of complaints, whistle-blowers, and RSPO its assurance system
- 1 UNCCD policy improved in the decision of the UNCCD 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: implications for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification - The future strategic framework of the Convention, which includes now explicitly gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls and youth, the Voluntary Guidelines for the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, and confirms the important role that CSOs play in the implementation of the UNCCD. This provides opportunities for CSOs from LLMICs to call upon their governments for inclusive sustainable land use policies. These policy changes were part of the advocacy priorities of a civil society network with 18 organisations (Drynet) and were advocated for through written inputs, meetings with country delegates and plenary statments. - 1 policy improved of the UNCCD: adoption by the parties at the UNCCD COP13 in Ordos of the Conceptual Framework on Land Degradation Neutrality as proposed by the Science Policy Interface (in which Both ENDS is CSO observer), which includes a whole chapter on the importance of land governance and implementation of the VGGTs - 1 policy improved by the village government in West Kalimantan through advocacy of a local NGO suppported by Both ENDS: a by-law which forbids logging of community forests was introduced by the customary/cultural leaders and recognized by the village leader, which ensures communal and indigenous land rights and customary forest management practices are recognised and protected from encroachment of industrial developments
1. 1 Enhanced Dutch social-environmental diplomacy vis-à-vis other EU members states and major palm oil consuming countries; notably India and China, in support of safeguards ( RSPO or equivalent standard as minimum standard to secure social, ecological and climate values) 2. EU to ensure all EU accredited certification standards (incl. ISCC) under RED meet at minimum the level of quality of RSPO (in terms of standard, assurance system, access to grievance mechanim and transparency). 3. 1 Master Plan implementation Convenant 'Bevoring Duurzaam Bosbeheer' agreed by signatories. Pilots in support of Business case Sustainable Forest management agreed upon and started
1 policy improved: The Netherlands government and the government of Colombia agreed on an MOU to reach sustainable palm oil. Both ENDS was in close touch with the relevant Dutch government agencies and private sector body MVO in preparation of this trade mission, and succesfully pleaded for inclusion of stringent human rights and ecological considerations, thereby sharing the insights of local Colombian CSO counterparts into the real time impacts of palm oil in Colombia on the ground: esp. water pollution, land grab, human rights violations, labour issues. Both ENDS also liaised with RSPO to ensure RSPO to be adopted as the minimum standard to guide the said MOU. 2. This was not achieved because the European Commission earlier on failed to give follow up to its commitment to present an EU Action Plan to adress deforestation as a result of agro-commodities (something which is now forthcoming this year). Also this year the EC is coming forward with a stricter Biofuel policy, something which may help CSOs lobby for tougher accreditation demands for certification schemes under EU- RED. 3. 1 policy improved: Masterplan adopted (near 100% fully certified sustainable timber import) by the Convenant Sustainable Forest Management. This will contribute to more sustainable import of timber from several LLMICs. A Steering Committee is responsible for monitoring progress of implementation, as suggested by Both ENDS. Both ENDS serves on the Steering Committee. 4. 1 policy improved: 1 report with policy recommendations - Recommendations (based on the experience of working with CSOs that are members of Drynet) about agroecology and implementation of the voluntary guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of land are taken up in the Land Degradation and Restoration Assessment report and the summary for policymakers of the International Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Extra: 1 EU policy - the Renewable Energy Directive - improved as it relates to inclusion of palm oil biofuel as non-eligible category of 'renewable energy'. This was achieved through submissions written by Both ENDS and partners to the Presidents of the EU Parliament, EU Commission and EU Council in response to misrepresentations from palm oil producing countries regarding the sustainability of their palm oil industries. Both ENDS also organized and facilitated meetings between partners and representatives of the EU Commission (Envi, DevCo, EEAS, Trade, Clima) and EU parliamentarians, linking partners with Brussels-based NGOs active in the biofuels campaign. EXTRA In 2018 partner organisation FECONAU struggeling against palm oil expansion in Peruvian Amazon has secured commitment of local governement to guarantee community's land titles and incorporate ancestral community map of territory into regional zoning procedures in order to minimize harmful expansion of PO into indigenous lands. Both ENDS has supported FECONAU in process of mapping and advocacy towards local governement with resources and information.
2 Dutch policies on import of agro-commodities improved and/or implemented towards 100% certification, including provisions for HRDs and access to remedy in the value chain. Policies improved by companies on access to dispute settlement and /or remedy in the agro-commodity value chain, most likely palm oil.
1. 1 policy changed: through the collaborative participation of Drynet (7 CSOs in LLMICs), the UNCCD CSO network, and Both ENDS, the UNCCD COP14 includes the implementation of VGGT in its decision. 2. 1 mechanism improved: 1 Local authority in Asia (LLMIC) has effectively improved the land use plans and maps to recognise communal land tenure. 3. 1 policy changed: Within FAO Agroecology policy, it is decided that there will be more capacity & financial resources to support agro-ecological practices supported by CSOs in LLMIC countries for which Both ENDS will actively advocate together with CSOs from the Drynet network. 4. 1 policy or programme within the Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation policy of The Netherlands is improved by addressing women's land rights and gender considerations. These considerations are based upon the experience and practices of the CSO network of Both ENDS, leading to Dutch policies which strengthen women's land rights in amongst others LLMICs.
1. (1)Together with Drynet, Both ENDS has started advocating for a decision on the implementation of the VGGT in sustainable land use, restoration and combating desertification & degradation since 2013. During UNCCD COP14 in 2019, due to strategic mobilization and capacity development of CSOs by the UNCCD CSO panel (of which Both ENDS was one of the five members), the CSO community pushed for this decision. The UNCCD policy has changed, a decision (decision 26) was adopted on the implementation of the VGGTs in national policies of all member states related to land degradation neutrality. Both ENDS, Drynet partners and the CSO panel have actively organized advocacy contributing to this decision. 2. (1) With financial support, capacity building and strategic advice from Both ENDS, an Indonesian partner secured official recognition of participatory maps and ethno-social data documenting the ancestral land rights of the Iban Sebaruk community in Sanggau District, West Kalimantan, to 36,000ha of customary territory, including about 10,000ha of customary forest area. 3.(1) process mechanism changed in the LANDdialogue: each workstream in the LANDdialogue has to indicate whether it is gender blind, sensitive or transformative, and in what way they address women’s land rights. This will strengthen the activities of companies and government bodies within the LANDdialogue to incorporate gender considerations. Both ENDS, based on input of partners trough the women’s land rights advocacy trajectory, has lobbied for this as a member of the Organising Committee. EXTRA: (1) In collaboration with European and Southern partners, Both ENDS contributed to policy reform at the EU-level regarding the European Commission’s proposal to increase efforts to tackle imported deforestation and environmental and human rights impacts in agri-commodity supply chains (reflected in the ‘Communication on Stepping Up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests’ and the resolution of the European Council on 16 December 2019 requesting the Commission to assess and propose additional demand-side regulatory measures).
EXTRA: A District Head in Indonesia is formally committed to encouraging the discussion and issuance of the Regional regulation on Customary Law Community and on Customary Forest, which is the aim of the communities. This is the result of continuous advocacy of a partner with the communities, with BE in a supportive role (strategic advice, knowledge exchange, funding).
1.E.b
# policies improved or introduced by companies on transparency and safeguards, conflict resolution mechanisms, and policies promoting social justice, decent work and sustainability.
All baselines are set at 0
- Within the RSPO, guidelines have been developed and resolutions have been adopted by the RSPO General Assemblee (companies and NGO's) for improving Dispute Settlement Facility, protection of complaints, whistle-blowers, and RSPO its assurance system
- 1 policy improved: Within the RSPO, guidelines have been developed and resolutions have been adopted by the RSPO General Assemblee (companies and NGO's) for protection of complaints, whistle-blowers, and RSPO's assurance system. Both ENDS was co-sponsor of the resolutions. With respect to the assurance system Both ENDS coordinated a review which led to improvement and is overseeing the implementation.
1.RSPO (Women) Human Rights Defenders protection & anonimity plan (with gender-sensitive perspective) agreed and implementation started - in accordance with resolution 6e (2016)
1. RSPO Board endorsed a policy, operational workplan and budget for the RSPO HR Defenders and Whistleblowers Protection Mechanism, following a resolution 6e/2016 co-sponsored by FPP, Both ENDS and OxfamNovib.
Policies improved by companies on access to dispute settlement and /or remedy in the agro-commodity value chain, most likely palm oil. [NB no outcome level result expected by 2017 so target set at 0].
EXTRA: (1) Within the context of RSPO and RSPO’s complaints mechanism, support for SDI’s and other CSOs work in Liberia on palm oil development and land disputes has led to a broader societal debate which led to a revision of the Land Bill, which now recognizes customary land rights. This Bill stipulates an alternative approach to land rights whereby customary land rights are being recognized, a departure for the previous legal framework. Building on this legal reform, CSOs now embarked upon a project to get 1 million ha community forest formally demarcated catering to immediate community needs rather than external corporations. EXTRA: (1) With support from Both ENDS, Institut Dayakologi enabled the Indigenous Kendawangan community of Silat Hulu in Ketapang District to reach a heads of agreement for a negotiated settlement of a 10-year land conflict with Sinar Mas and parent company Golden Agri Resources over 700ha of customary lands allegedly grabbed by the company in 2010 that includes measures to improve the conduct of the local operating company. Both ENDS has been supporting Institut Dayakologi with strategic advice and leverage via the RSPO platform and relationships with senior Golden Agri Resources staff.
1. One major palm oil trading company in Indonesia improves its policy on community engagement, land acquisition or smallholder policies to increase recognition and protection of the rights of local stakeholders after consultation with local CSOs supported by Both ENDS in terms of joint strategizing, advocacy and program development. Local partner is LinkAR Borneo.
Outcome F: Practice Changed
Improved corporate policies and government regulations have been put into practice and enforced.
1.F.a
# concrete steps taken by governments to actively identify, prevent and mitigate adverse social, gender and environmental impacts of corporate activities and those in corporations' value chains.
All baselines are set at 0
No results achieved in 2016
- 1 practice changed: The implementation of resolution 6H of the RSPO General Assembly which was initiated by Both ENDS and local partners before by calling for a review and enhancement of RSPO’s assurance system, is improved: amongst others on tighter scrutiny of and capacity building for certifying bodies. Other improvements have, after considerable delay, commenced – such as the stricter monitoring of new plantings, the setting up of a GIS and investigation unity within RSPO Secretariat. On request of the RSPO board Both ENDS chairs the RSPO Assurance Task Force.
EXTRA. 1 District Government in West Kalimantan, Indonesia (Sanggau District) recognised the customary communal forest rights of two Indigenous Dayak communities (Pisang Village and Tae Village) and 1 National Government (Indonesia) granted certificates of communal forest tenure rights to the Dayak community of Tae Village following support, community empowerment, lobby and advocacy work of 1 CSO (Perkumpulan Pancur Kasih).
No results expected for 2016-2017
1 practice change: Through the advocacy of Both ENDS and partners a stronger customary land rights recognition is implemented and enforced by a local government body in Asia related to palm oil plantations that are commissioned. Both ENDS collaborates with its partners through advocacy strategizing and Both ENDS links with Dutch and international policy platforms where needed.
1. (2)Two communities in West Kalimantan have their collective land tenure rights officially recognised by local government authorities following ongoing lobby and advocacy from local CSOs supported by Both ENDS (in terms of joint strategizing, knowledge exchange and financial support).
1. (1) A Customary Law Community in West Kalimantan has been legally recognized by District Government. This is the result of continuous advocacy of a partner, together with BE in a supportive role (strategic advise, knowledge exchange, funding).
2. BE has been supporting a CSO partner in Peru over the years in their struggle against palm oil company invading and stealing their lands. Support has taken various forms but mainly with funding, information sharing and connections to international networks. The CSO now reports that after years of lobbying and advocacy the local government recognized the local indigenous community’s land titles to 1,500 hectares (1). Furthermore based on the community’s continued complaints the Peruvian government suspended the operations of the palm oil company and issues a multi-million dollar fine for the company. Both ENDS offered funding in close collaboration with partner Forest Peoples Programme which offered backstopping.
1.F.b
# concrete steps taken by companies to actively identify, prevent and mitigate adverse social, gender and environmental impacts of their activities and those in their value chains.
All baselines are set at 0
No results achieved in 2016
No results achieved in 2017
RSPO Assurance Task Force achieves main targets agreed upon through resolution 6h (2015)
Cooperation with company results in changed pattern in purchasing/inclusive chain developed.
1. 1 practice changed: the RSPO certification framework is improved by stronger, fairer and rigorous mechanisms and multi-annual programmes through joint advocacy of Both ENDS and local CSOs, as well as Both ENDS seat in the RSPO board: - Governing system: adapted procedures for the general assembly and the division of labour between board and secretariat; - Further improvement of the assurance mechanisms and performance; - Further steps to implement the outreach programme and engage with CSOs notably in Indonesia and Liberia. 2. 1 concrete step taken by the IMVO Covenant Sustainable Forest Governance to improve sustainable practices of Dutch companies by implementing the dashboard as a tool to monitor progress on realizing the goals of the covenant to improve communication, quality control and accountability during the implementation. Both ENDS introduced the dashboard and its implementation will take place in 2019.
1. (1) RSPO Board adopted a revamped governance structure, encompassing Board standing committees on crucial dossiers such an Assurance Standing Committee – with an open assurance stakeholder platform – accessible for non-RSPO stake holders, as well as the formation of a RSPO Labour Working Group and a renumeration committee for performance reviews with the CEO, and an external review of the Secretariat. The RSPO Outreach Programme to Intermediary organisations has expanded to new regions (see under 2.2.), notably in Colombia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Liberia, where Both ENDS partner SDI with funding from RSPO outreach organized a large West Africa conference for CSOs on addressing palm oil issues. 2.(1) A dashboard is operational, which monitors progress on realizing the goals of the IMVO Covenant Sustainable Forest Governance to improve communication, quality control and accountability during the implementation to improve sustainable practices of Dutch companies. Both ENDS, in liaison with Federation VVNH collaborated with individual Dutch companies to address allegations regarding illegal timber imports from the Brazilian Amazone. Larger buy-in from other corporate Convenant parties, such as Bouwend Nederland is a point of attention. The same holds true for the development of pilot case studies under the Working Group Business Case. 2. (1) Both ENDS initiated the RSPO Outreach to Intermediary Organisations (IMOs) programme. This programme was endorsed by the RSPO Board, which led to appointment of RSPO staffing and a dedicated budget of 3 million USD. Also in the course of 2019 Outreach budgets were entrusted to selected NGOs (proposed by Both ENDS and partner FPP: such as ELSAM, Indonesia, INDEPAZ, Colombia, SDI, Liberia and SEPA, Malaysia). These NGOs facilitate capacity building among local CSOs in key palm oil producing countries (Colombia, Malaysia, Liberia, Indonesia). Capacity building includes for example training on how to hold companies to account, submit a complaint to the RSPO Complaints mechanism against a RSPO member which is found to violating human rights, women rights included, and /or environmental destruction and land grab. It offers capacitation of CSOs, women organisations, unions et al to have an effective say in decision making within the RSPO governance and RSPO country standard setting process, land dispute mediation and participation in the RSPO platform in general.
1.1 practice changed: the RSPO will take the following concrete steps to strengthen its certification framework: *RSPO approves the Independent Small Holder (ISS) certification standard, leading to stronger rights of small-scale farmers. Both ENDS and its partner organisation contribute to this by proposing adjustments in cooperation with local NGOs. Amongst others, lobby is organized to take up a scaling system in the standard and to adopt a separate medium size growers standard. Small Holders will benefit from the ISS by gaining easier access to RSPO certification, services and premium for their certified palm oil produce. *RSPO establishes a new permanent Assurance Standing Committee (ASC). Both ENDS, as chair of the former RSPO Assurance Task Force contributes to the design and TOR of the new Standing Committee and will act as Board link to this ASC. The Assurance Standing Committee oversees measures to ensure the implementation of the RSPO standard, including upholding of key principles of zero deforestation, and zero exploitation (labor, land grap, respect for women rights); oversight of the auditors and assessors which inspect the plantations; and by reporting violations of the RSPO standard to the Complaints Panel which may lead to suspension or termination of a companies membership resulting in often grave penalties in the market place. *The RSPO will expand its Outreach to civil society through the RSPO outreach to Intermediary organisations programme, which was initiated by Both ENDS and subsequently adopted and funded by the RSPO Board. Further contribution of Both ENDS include assistance to local NGO partners in Latin America and West Africa to start new Outreach actions in collaboration with the RSPO Secretariat and improving the inclusiveness of RSPO National Interpretation processes. 2. 1The steering committee of the IMVO Covenant Sustainable Forest Governance makes use of a dashboard to identify, prevent and mitigate adverse social, gender and environmental impacts in the timber value chains and the degree in which targets for sustainable sourcing are being reached. In the dashboard information will be presented on the progress related to these activities. Through this practice change the parties of the IMVO covenant will have better insight in their progress/ the effects of their activities. This outcome is the result of lobby by Both ENDS. Both ENDS will have an active role in supporting the monitoring and the use of the dashboard.
This work did not lead to changes in practice, but is reflected in our results in other outcome areas
Outcome C: Alternatives Developed
A range of alternative, participatory initiatives and models related to corporate conduct have been developed, piloted and promoted by FGG and civil society actors, from best practices through to enforceable multi-stakeholder agreements.
1.C
# alternative, participatory initiatives and models related to corporate conduct meeting core criteria including sustainability, participation (m/f), transparency and equity (m/f), that have been developed, piloted and/or promoted.
All baselines are set at 0
No results were achieved in 2016
- 1 alternative further developed: the participatory land use planning (PLUP) approach as an alternative to top-down land use planning and individual titling approaches is jointly further developed by Both ENDS and local partners through the elaboration of a conceptualisation and strategy, with input of local partners from Indonesia, Kenya, Cameroon and Zambia. Participatory initiatives and models developed including formalising participatory methodologies in formal spatial planning procedures and strengthening participation of women in community decision-making on natural resource management. -1 alternative, participatory initiative on waste management and water pollution developed by local partners with informal support of Both ENDS in East Java, relating to domestic waste management and diversion of recycleable and disposable waste from the Brantas River and relating to the monitoring of industrial pollution of communal ground and surface water sources in Lakardowo Village. - 1 alternative further developed: Rich Forests has increased its outreach by (1) being part of the core team of the Network Nature Inclusive Agriculture attending the VoedselTop in january, hosted by 4 ministries. (2) being one of the signing parties and developers of the Green Deal Voedselbossen (3) creating a scientific article of 2 students study about biodiversity of food forests compared to a nature conservation area (4) being asked to be part of several (inter)national proposals (5) strengthened the demo sites in the Netherlands and Latin America and Cameroon via its partner network (a.o. CENDEP, )(6) developed a monitoring model for food forests and established first cooperation with sites and research institutes for generalised monitoring and (7) established initial contacts with high end chocolate importers for forest chocolate. This all strengthened the link between local alternatives in the South with policy processes in the Netherlands and internationally - 1 alternative: Promotion of a locally embedded Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for rattan in Indonesia through a pilot with 5 villages in Kalimantan involving a Dutch SME company procuring sustainable rattan. Both ENDS assists NTFP-EP/PGS in brokering the contract with this company.
1. 4 context-specific PLUP alternatives are piloted and further developed 2. 1 The vision of Rich Forests and its partners has been taken up in the ´plan van aanpak´ of the ´netwerk natuurinclusieve landbouw´and gets support from EZ and provinces so that it can promote NIL in the Netherlands with international links to its sourcing and exporting countries 3. 2 Pilots are set up within the IMVO convenant duurzaam bosbeheer
1. 1 alternative developed: Through financial support and joint project development, Both ENDS has assisted a Zambian partner in further developing their PLUP (participatory land use planning) trajectory by creating three PLUP maps in different chiefdoms, by establishing gender equal Community Land Advocacy Comitees (CLACs) that, together with paralegals, solved 125 land disputes, by simplifying the most important national tenure document (Urban and Regional Planning Act) and by engaging with both national and local duty bearers and policy makers to give policy recommendations on land governance issues. 2. 1 alternative developed: In Cameroon two partners have further strengthened the knowledge of local communities on both land tenure laws as well as the use of GPS tracking, which has resulted in the production of satellite imagery thas is being used as a lobby tool for the recognition of small-scale farmers' land rights. Both ENDS facilitated and financially supported the collaboration between the two partners and the alignment of their expertise on both sustainable land-use and land governance. 3. 1 alternative promoted: 3 CSOs in Indonesia supported to implement community mapping and participatory land-use planning methods to support recognition and protection of indigenous community land and livelihood rights in Sanggau and Ketapang Districts in West Kalimantan. Both ENDS provided funding, strategy development support, linked these CSOs with other organisations with expertise on community mapping and land-use planning and facilitated skill and knowledge sharing and networking between them. 4. 2 alternatives are piloted: Both ENDS and an organization from Geneva, specialized in forest certification, developed a proposal to pilot PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) in forest management within the context of the Dutch Convenant Promoting Sustainable Forest Management. This proposal has been endorsed by the Working Group Business Case of the Convenant. Another pilot concerns concerns sustainable forest management in Ghana.
2 alternatives are developed: * a participatory land use planning model is developed as an alternative to top-down land use planning and individual titling approaches that is recognised and supported in minimally one influential sphere of policy making or land use planning. * Rich Forest Vision has been further developed and support for it is found in at least one influential area.
1.4 Context-specific inclusive land governance projects for protection and recognition of local rights, livelihoods and culture are piloted or further developed and expanded by local CSOs in collaboration with local communities (in Indonesia, Zambia and Cameroon) and Both ENDS through mutual capacity development, joint strategizing, knowledge exchange within the network and linking with external experts. 2. 1 alternative developed: findings and lessons learnt on sustainable forest governance in Southern countries are developed through country-based pilots and research in which local CSOs participate, and is promoted within the framework 'IMVO convenant duurzaam bosbeheer', with Both ENDS having a reviewing role and actively sharing knowledge and involving local CSOs from Ghana and Indonesia.
LAND 1.(4) In Indonesia, 2 partners developed and implemented participatory, community-based initiatives to strengthen the collective position of local communities in their resistance to encroachment by industrial land-users onto communal lands through alternative, sustainable and empowering initiatives, such as the development of community protocols (1) and sustainable fishing regulations (1) and development of community-owned forest fruit value-adding enterprises (1) and agro-forestry initiatives (1) . AGROCOM: 1.(2)In collaboration with2 Indonesian partners, awareness was raised amongst the conventional palm oil supply chain actors around the traditional, notably women-led, land use and agriculture systems UMO (Sumatra) and IMME (Kalimantan). This resulted in increased discussion within the RSPO by palm oil supply-chain participants on respect for local land-use requirements, and in strengthened local social and cultural institutions for sustainable land use and food production that empower women and increase their participation in collective land management decision-making.
1. 1 alternative narrative further developed, explaining the role of traditional food production and land use systems, locally named UMO (Sumatra) and IMME (Kalimantan) to promote food security, including availability of healthy food to plantation workers, and market access for local farmers to enhance their livelihoods. This narrative – which aligns with the new Principle 4 of the revised RSPO Standard - will be widely made available through brochures (Bahasa and English), workshops and the RSPO Round Table plenary in Bangkok. Both ENDS will co-organize this round table. 2. For the IMVO Covenant on the Promotion of Sustainable Forest Management, Both ENDS will develop 3 case studies with local partners for corporate conduct meeting core criteria. One case study explaining IMVO risks and remedies (such as Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC)); a case study on the importing illegally logged timber; and a case study on the interface between palm oil and sustainable forest management. Extra target. 3.Both ENDS will develop in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy in India, together with the RSPO, Indian NGOs and companies a proposal on sustainable palm oil to establish a Delhi Declaration on sustainable palm oil and a roadmap towards 2025. This is expected to result in an Indo-Dutch collaboration towards sustainable RSPO certified palm oil in terms of both Indian import from Indonesia and Malaysia and Indian domestic palm oil production.
1) Both ENDS continued support for CSO and CBO work on community-based, notably women-led, traditional agroforestry land use systems, which led to a deepened narrative on the women rights angle and women leadership and empowerment. The narrative (in the form of a publication (1) has been shared within and through RSPO channels.
2) Both ENDS contributed to different work streams and outputs on sustainable forest/land use and community-led initiatives as an active member of working groups and bringing in expertise, within the framework of the IMVO Convenant, including: a narrative (1) on non-timber forest products – as a model of participatory, sustainable, people-oriented, forest management , value addition and livelihood and as an alternative to unsustainable logging which violates local land rights and impacts ecology or destructive forest conversion to agri-commodity plantations ; a country case study (1) on forests , climate and local community user rights to achieve both mitigation and adaptation as an alternative to top-down, mono-culture tree plantations to sequester carbon; and a proposal (1) on the operationalization of a localized Participatory Guarantee Systems, as an alternative to expensive international certification, was drafted jointly with certification platform PEFC but not further submitted due to lack of corporate (traders/processors) buy-in. Both ENDS brought a case study on alleged illegal timber from the Brazilian Amazone to Convenant partners and initiated constructive discussions with leading Dutch timber importers and FSC and ProFundo. Both ENDS issued a public notification on this case, and developed various publications on the palm oil forest/timber interface. This work helped illustrate how community based forest management looks like, also by measure of transparency, and inclusiveness and the wider benefits it creates.
3) Both ENDS initiated a process of dialogue, involving the Dutch embassy, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, RSPO-India and corporations (RSPO-members) which continued leading to greater awareness raising about and commitment to CSPO (certified sustainable palm oil) and RSPO, as an alternative to a continuation of India’s massive import of palm oil from non-certified, unsustainable sources. This helped boost the Sustainable Palm Oil Coalition for India, I-SPOC, with a lead role for RSPO, RA, WWF and CRB. RSPO also made further headway in gaining more support for sustainable small holder palm oil production in India itself as an alternative to current practices which lead to increasing water scarcity and pollution from pesticides. (1)
Outcome A: Enabling Environment
Both the rights and the legal and political spaces needed to claim and defend those rights are protected for people, communities and civil society actors, enabling them to address misconduct and grievances successfully, and promote improved corporate conduct and related governmental regulation.
1.A.a
# mechanisms put in place or improved by governments that guarantee access for civil society to democratic decision making processes related to corporate conduct, including the right to resist developments.
All baselines are set at 0
- improved 1 mechanism of safeguards development for the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund improved by substantial input of 19 Drynet members, organisations that are working with communities and CSOs in 23 countries, through a 12-page input document with specific recommendations in which local civil society input was incorporated in the process of safeguards formulation (d.d. 7 november 2016 ) and a letter of concern to the UNCCD Executive Secretary (d.d. 16 november 2016) -improved 1 mechanism of local CSO input and involvement in the Dutch Land Governance Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue improved on FPIC, by 2 workshops with input and presentations on local CSO experiences, being discussed by Dutch investors, policy-makers, companies, NGOs and knowledge institutions. - improved 1 mechanism of the Dutch government budget allocation on foreign trade and development cooperation improved to provide support for African CSOs in securing women's land rights and to communicate recommendations to governments and private sector, resulting in the approvement of amendment 34550 XVII 19, confirmed in a letter to the Dutch parliament (4ZKWPA3M5U6C-3-15030, allocation of 500 000 euro) -put in place The Bottom up Topsector Natuurinclusieve Landbouw is created due to facilitation of EZ. Both ENDS is part of the core team and makes sure input/expertise from local farmers (worldwide) are able to reach policy desicion making levels.
- 1 mechanism improved on the spending of Dutch public money available in the Land Governance Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue. The MSD invested in a study on the community needs and local CSOs' perspectives in area of the Liquid Natural Gas concession in Cabo Delgado (Northern Mozambique), which is executed by academics with a reviewing role of Both ENDS, upon the initiative of Both ENDS in the Organizing Committee of the Dialogue. - 1 mechanism put in place: Convenant Bevordering Duurzaam Bosbeheer - Dutch multi-stakeholder agreement encompassing Dutch, private sector and NGOs - with the objectives to promote CSR in an international context, to strengthen the business case of sustainable forest management, and to increase the use of certified sustainable timber and FLEGT-timber, with adherence to norms (FPIC and other sustainability criteria). Both ENDS was part of the drafting committee and serves on the Steering Committee, overseeing and guiding the implementation of the Convenant, and two working groups.
1 mechanism improved or put in place by government in an agro-commodity producing country that improves civil society access and input in land-use policy- or decision-making processes.
1. 1 mechanism put in place: Memorandum of Understanding between Ketapang District Government, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and Perkumpulan Pancur Kasih providing political support and institutional framework for implementation of national Agrarian Reform policies and to facilitate communal land mapping and evidence gethering for community forest and customary land rights claims. Both ENDS provided financial support. 2. 1 mechanism put in place: 1 formal dialogue established between the Ministries of Industry, Forestry and Agriculture of the West Kalimantan Provincial Government and an Indonesian partner for collaboration on investigation and documentation of palm oil plantation operations and smallholdings within West Kalimantan. Both ENDS provided financial and strategic support around structural issues within the West Kalimantan palm oil industry. 3. 1 mechanism improved: RSPO's General Asssemblee has adopted a revised, stronger standard (Principles&Criteria): the so called NDPE (No Deforestation no Peat no Exportation). Both ENDS, as social NGO representative on the RSPO Board has co-organised local NGO input and consultations to enhance civil society voice in the P&C review process. CSO access to participation in the review process has improved, in comparison to the review process 5 years ago.
2 mechanisms are put in place: Topsector Natuurinclusieve landbouw (EZ); and input from CSO's in the set-up of the Land Degradation Neutrality Fund 3 mechanisms are improved: access to and inclusion of CSO's in the Dutch Land Governance Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue and Land Degradation Neutrality Fund; the implementation of of the regional treaty for the rights of access to information, particpation and justice in one LAC country.
1. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs will improve 1 mechanism related to Dutch trademissions which will include the voice of local and international civil society on inclusive land governance (including women's rights). This will be the result of joint advocacy of local partners and FGG based upon their expertise, knowledge and network. 2. 1mechanism put in place by the government of Indonesia that provides recognition of customary land rights of local communities and indigenous peoples and their tenure security against corporate land-users as a result of lobby and advocacy, community capacity development and empowerment activities by local civil society organisations supported by Both ENDS (in terms of joint strategy development, knowledge exchange and financial support).
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, trade missions were canceed or delayed and prevented us from
realizing this result
1.A.b
# effective legal and other grievance mechanisms adopted or improved by governments and corporations via which CSOs and communities can resolve grievances with governments and companies, and claim their environmental, human and worker rights.
All baselines are set at 0
RSPO Dispute Settlement Facility (DSF) and RSPO Complaints System (CP) being reviewed, including outsourcing of assessment and mediation plus stronger stakeholder engagement through RSPO Outreach Programme which lends support to local NGOs. Both ENDS is actively facilitating these processes as co-chair of the DSF.
1 grievance mechanism improved: RSPO Dispute Settlement Facility (DSF) revamped, as part of RSPO’s revised Integrated Grievances Mechanism – DSF Standard Operational procedures and guiding step-wise approach to guide disputant parties are in place and capacity building is rolled out for NGOs and companies. Both ENDS formulated a roadmap that has been applied in the DSF. Both ENDS is co-chair of DSF Advisory Group and liaises intensively with RSPO Secretariat coordinating the DSF and Complaints Panel.
1 Mechanism improved: the RSPO certification framework improved by stronger, fairer and rigorous - Dispute Settlement processes and outcomes - governing system - auditing policies and practices - outreach program and engagement with civil society - The application and enforcement Principles & Criteria standards 1 mechanism in discussion with Nicaraguan government that promotes effective dialogue with CSO's
"1a.1 mechanism improved: RSPO's Assurance Task Force has undertaken a number of actions to strengthen the capacity and performance of auditors and assessors, supervision of measures to ensure implementation of the standard and sanction defaulters by RSPO itself. Both ENDS chairs the Assurance Task Force Steering Group and moderates the input of CSOs. 1b. 1 mechanism improved: Strengthening RSPO's Dispute Settlement Facility (DSF) has been fully synchronised with RSPO's Integrated Complaints Mechanism. To that end, with the aid of an external expert, the work and management of DSF has been streamlined. Further operationalisation of DSF on a new footing has, however, been much delayed.
2 mechanisms improved: the effectiveness of the RSPO's Dispute Settlement Facility; the effectiveness of Independant Complaints Mechanism of FMO.
1 mechanism improved of the RSPO: the Dispute Settlement Facility is stronger, fairer and more rigorous through the finalisation of its new standard operational procedures based upon a public consultation, through joint advocacy of local partners (from LLMICs in primarily Asia) and Both ENDS.
1 mechanism improved: Based on the outcomes of the public consultation, the revamp of the DSF (dispute settlement facility) has been finalized. A new DSF Advisory Group has been formed, co-chaired by Both ENDS and Unilever, with amongst others a representative of the World Bank-IFC CAO office, and other experts. A new DSF roadmap has been developed with clearer indicators of success to measure the performance of the DSF. This means there is now a more effective grievance mechanism available as part of RSPO to settle disputes of CSOs/communities in the palm oil sector.
1. Participation mechanism and inclusiveness of RSPO improved: 'Stronger involvement from local CSOs, communities, Unions and CSOs with expertise on labour within RSPO. For this purpose Both ENDS and local partners will submit a resolution to the RSPO General Assembly and will put this topic on the RSPO board, which is based upon a NGO workshop a day prior to the RSPO Round Table in Bangkok to be organized in November 2019 and co-organized by BE. 2. 1 RSPO Dispute Settlement Facility (DSF) mechanism is improved: a more proactive new Advisory Group will be appointed. Both ENDS actively engage in structural conversations with the new DSF Advisory Board to help ensure DSF starts delivering concrete results, in terms of active outreach to CSOs and companies to explain DSF and its potential benefits to help resolve conflicts.
1. 1 mechanism improved at the RSPO following adoption of the jurisdictional approach by RSPO Board and a resolution to better facilitate participation of CSOs in palm-oil producing countries such as Indonesia, Liberia and Guatemala. BE participate in the internal RSPO working group that developed the jurisdictional approach
2. The mechanism of the RSPO Dispute Settlement Facility (DSF) has improved with Both ENDS as
co-chair of the RSPO DSF Advisory Group and initiated by Both ENDS under RSPO’s aegis): implementation of DSF’s outreach programme including a series of webinars for RSPO companies and NGOs to raise awareness about the working of DSF and conflict mediation and its potential benefits for disputant parties (mostly communities, to assist CSOs vs RSPO plantation companies)
1 mechanism adopted and operational: The RSPO Board established a sounding board for RSPO
Secretariat staff. Both ENDS is providing a representative for the sounding board, which is mandated by the Board to act as confidant in case of grievances
NL-KVK-41210098-FGG-ToC2
Both ENDS
FGG BE ToC 2: Improved Trade and Investment
Both ENDS and partners will seek to influence and monitor the planned and ongoing EU negotiations of trade and investment agreements with a focus on countries in Asia and Sub Sahara Africa. This also includes the implementation of the outcomes of 10th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC10) and the Post-Nairobi WTO agenda. Both ENDS will continue her working on the EU ISDS reform agenda and state of play of ISDS negotiations between the EU and Southern countries. Together with Southern partners Both ENDS will produce analysis of the investment chapters in EU trade and investment agreements to contribute to the development of alternative policy approaches to the current trade and investment regime. The associated activities will contribute to increasing the capacity of civil society actors to do research, network and advocate on the EU investment protection agenda. Both ENDS support of CSOs wil focus on enabling them to participate in policy debates, present studies and analysis and participate in international meetings
Stichting Both ENDS
Stichting Both ENDS
Stichting Both ENDS
info@bothends.org
1719046
249766
92907
343809
343809
49784
72548
111261
56184
69951
77434
82783
49933
171904
51937
211820
139807
66310
61261
77276
87931
72894
123973
101610
112381
308708
48704
Outcome B: Capacities Strengthened
Increased capacity of civil society actors to research, network and advocate on trade and investment.
2.B
# CSOs in LLMICs that lobby and advocate for improved policies related to trade and investment, based on increased skills, knowledge or network contacts.
All baselines are set at 0
Both ENDS provided technical assistance to CSO counterparts in Indonesia and Uganda with analysis of existing and proposed texts of trade and investment agreements. 1 partner executed several activities to raise awareness on the need to review the Uganda-Netherlands BIT and to facilitate CSO engagement with government and parliament to influence trade and investment policies. This included a preparatory CSO strategy meeting to discuss strategies for the engagement in the advocacy for the review of the Uganda –Netherlands BIT and the amendment of the Uganda investment code. A multi stakeholders’ workshop followed that brought together 42 key stakeholders from government ministries, departments and agencies, private sector, civil society and the media to discuss these issues. In response to a petition that demanded a more active involvement of parliament in formulating trade and investments rules a speaker of Parliament suggested the need for a set of laws to ensure that the local population directly benefit from investments by multinational companies. [http://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/about-parliament/parliamentary-news/202-investments-must-benefit-the-local-population-kadaga ] IGJ executed several activities to influence Indonesia’s policies on trade and investment agreements and to strengthen CSO capacity engagement with government and parliament. In collaboration with Both ENDS and 1 partner, they organized a regional capacity building workshop titled “Rethinking International Investment Agreement” and follow up events that allowed for direct engagement of CSOs with Indonesian decision makers in governments and parliament. Amongst these was events was the 16th RCEP negotiation, a meeting with the Indonesian parliament and several meetings with the Indonesian government. The CSO activities on RCEP in Jakarta had been prepared by a RCEP CSO capacity building meeting during 15th RCEP negotiation round in Malaysia supported financially by Both ENDS and hosted by a partner. That meeting resulted in the establishment of the current regional RCEP CSO network.
2 Both ENDS strengthened capacities of 2CSOs (Uganda, India, who supported groups in Africa and Asia in their national campaign and awareness raising activities related to the WTO ministerial MC11 in Argentina, to do research on new issues proposed to be negotiated at the WTO ministerial (like investment facilitation) as well as the organizations in Argentina that organized the outside process for CSOs that where not accredited to MC11 to discuss trade and investment policies. -1 Both ENDS provided technical assistance to CSO counterparts in India, Indonesia and Uganda (3 CSOs, 1 additional) with analysis of existing and proposed texts of trade and investment agreements. This resulted in improved technical understanding of the implication of concrete text proposals, which Southern CSOs used in their own advocacy activities. - 0 Both ENDS supported the work of groups in Asia (Indonesia, 1 CSO, not additional) on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). This resulted in the outrech CSO's to new players, mutual learning, direct engagement and influencing of decisionmakers and CSO's have been better informed on decision making process. BE financed this meeting. - 0 Both ENDS and 1 local partner from Uganda organised a CSO strategy meeting on Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and countries in subshara Africa, attended by 10 CSOs. - 0 CSO has developed her capacity on development finance and strengthened her network in Africa on this topic . Together with a CSO from Uganda, Both ENDS joined a development finance meeting in South Africa in which African CSOs and banks participated. The CSO from Uganda was able to bring in the aspect of investment treaties of which most of the public was not yet aware. - 0 CSO has strengthened its capacity on seeds/trade by strengthening their network in Africa on this and hiring a new person. Both ENDS contributed by sharing knowledge about the challenges regarding seeds and trade and supported by brainstorming about ways forward.
1 CSO network on seeds / UPOV has increased knowledge and network contacts on relation between seeds, UPOV 91 and trade agreements. 2. Both ENDS increased knowledge and network contacts and becomes expert on seeds, UPOV 91 and trade relations 3. 2 CSOs have strengthened their capacity to succesfully lobby their government and/or ECOWAS to renegotiate the West-African EPA 4.With at least 1 counterpart in Mozambique a lobby strategy is developed proposing how the MOZ-NL BIT should be renegotiated/renewed
1.(1) BE presented, during partner meetings and in meetings with new contacts, the challenges of the problems related to UPOV91 and trade agreements in CSO meetings in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Together first network contacts have been set up and first steps for a lobby strategy were taken. BE will organize a workshop in May 2019 to continue this process of network building, and implement the lobby strategy. 2. (1) A discussion paper written by Both ENDS with an Indonesian partner and a group of CSOs, addressing the problem on UPOV91, trade and the access to seeds has been published and distributed widely among partners and their networks and knowledge institutions. The Indonesian partner has used this publication to lobby with the Indonesian government related to the Indonesian trade negotiations 4: (1) Mozambican CSOs (1 partner) have developed a joint position paper on trade and investment rules with special attention for the BIT Mozambique-NL and shared this with various Ministries. BE supported this initiative through knowledge exchange.
* The capacity of 3 CSOs in 3 countries has been strengthened to succesfully influence national IIA related policies * A network of diverse groups of NGOs, campaign groups and social movements working on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (RCEP) have shared their analysis and deepened their understanding of the ongoing negotiations and took further steps of network building and joint strategies at the national and regional level.
1. At least 3 CSO (in 3 LLMIC countries) advocate for appropriate seed laws at national or regional level, through increased knowledge about seed laws and advocacy skills, in collaboration with Both ENDS in terms of strategizing and facilitating exchanges within the network. 2. 3 CSOs from Asia and Africa (all LLMICs) have succesfully developed capacities in terms of knowledge development and policy analysis, which they will use to influence policy discussions/negotiations regarding international trade or investment treaties, through knowledge exchange with Both ENDS.
'1. reported under ToC1 3. (6) In Tanzania a workshop was organized by a partner from Tanzania and a CSO network (10 CSO’s) on the analysis of a new BIT with the Netherlands. As a result a coalition was formed to continue strengthening their capacity to influence Tanzanian trade and investment agreements in 2020. Both ENDS collaborated with the partner in the preparations of the workshops, contributed during the workshop with expert knowledge based upon the experiences with the Dutch BIT, was part of strategizing with the CSOs and financed the workshops EXTRA A: (1) CSOs and trade unions (from Burundi) increased their knowledge on the need for review and renegotiation of the BITs (specifically the Burundi-Mauritius BIT) to include strong corporate accountability components like human rights impact assessments and human rights due diligence, making the investment agreement more gender responsive and protective of the environment. This informed their strategy and contributed to their advocacy work directed at the Burundi government. Both ENDS collaborated with the partner through knowledge exchange, sharing analyses and financially supporting the workshop and follow-up. EXTRA B: 4 CSOs and peasants strengthened their knowledge on UPOV and the Practices of Corporate Monopoly on Seeds in Indonesia through an analysis report, based upon amongst others discussions with breeding peasants in Indramavu. The report will be used in future mutual capacity development activities and advocacy activities at the national level. Both ENDS collaborated with the partner through knowledge exchange, sharing analysis and financial support. EXTRA C: 1 network of CSOs, academics and other people interested in trade agreements and investment treaties had increased access to information on trade negotiations updates, communities’ and movements’ views on trade, impacts of free trade agreements on for instance oppression against women in Asia, and academic resources, through a website that collects information on international trade, which enhanced their capacity to lobby and advocate towards amongst others governments in the south. Both ENDS contributed by joint brainstorming, content contributions and financial support
1. (6)The awareness about intellectual property rights on seeds and the potential implications to include related obligations in trade and investment agreements with CSOs and political decision-makers has been increased in 6 countries in Sub Saharan Africa and Asia. This increased knowledge is expected to lead to improved lobby and advocacy efforts towards African and Asian governments for fair trade deals which respect farmer’s rights to seeds. Both ENDS will have a facilitating role in the process of capacity development, such as the organization of workshops. 2. 3 CSOs in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi will increase their capacities to develop strategies to advocate for trade agreements that do not undermine the fair and sustainable rights to use seeds in the East African Community. The increased capacity is the result of Both ENDS’ support through information sharing and strategy planning. 3. (2)CSOs in at least 2 LLMICs (East Africa) have increased their lobby and advocacy capacities to successfully advocate their governments to review national and international investment rules (e.g. their BITs). Both ENDS strategized with the partners and contributed by exchanging knowledge. 4. 1 CSO in an LLMIC has a better understanding of the problems associated with membership of the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) with the expected result that at least 2 LLMICs that adopted the International Energy Charter abstained from joining the ECT. Both ENDS contributed to this by raising awareness and exchanging knowledge. 5. 3 CSOs from LLMICs have increased their capacities to lobby and advocate to influence the decision-making process of 3 Free Trade Agreements and advocated for stronger and binding measures in the sustainable development and trade charter. This was done through joint strategizing between local partners and Both ENDS, and organizing awareness raising (possibly webinars). 6. (1)CSO(s) in at least 1 LLMIC have developed a proposal to visualise the link between gender implications of Free Trade Agreements and other trade treaties which they will use in their lobbying towards governments or authorities. This is the result of mutual capacity development of Both ENDS and local CSOs in relation to joint strategizing and knowledge sharing.
1. 4 organisations organised 1 continental and 3 regional meetings on trade and seed policy under the African continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA). CSOs, farmers organisations and policymakers (including members of the African Union and representatives of the AcFTA) participated in these meetings. The organising partners organised these meetings, which were in fact fruitful advocacy events, with capacity development support from Both ENDS in the form of technical and financial support and joint strategising.
2. 1 national meeting in Indonesia and 1 South East Asia Meeting on the implications of UPOV91 on Cultivation Systems were organized by our partners in Indonesia. 7 CSOs from 7 LLMICs participated and employed the outcomes in their own advocacy work (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Kenya.), including 1 CSO in Indonesia who participated. Both ENDS provided technical and financial support.
EXTRA: 1 CSO in Uganda increased their knowledge (because of financial support and collaboration with Both ENDS), developed and implemented a strategy for advocacy on farming and seed systems alternative to the systems offered by UPOV91. The advocacy is done by distributing educational material, in print and audiovisual (1 documentary) with the voices of small farmers. Both ENDS and the partner strategized together and the joint narrative/arguments were used in the materials.
3. 2 CSOs in Uganda and Tanzania increased their knowledge and expanded their network which enabled them to lobby their governments to voice positions against ISDS cases brought against Uganda and Tanzania during the pandemic. Both ENDS provided technical support on ISDS and supported its partners by amplifying their voice towards a wider audience through our (social media) channels .
4) 2 CSOs from Uganda and Tanzania developed their capacity through their collaboration with the East Africa Trade Network, employing their skills and network contacts to lobby and carry out advocacy against East African Countries joining the Energy Charter Treaty. Both ENDS provided technical, financial and networking support.
5) 2 CSOs from Uganda and 1 CSO from Indonesia invested in knowledge generation, narrative development and strategizing, which lead to increased capacity to carry out lobby and advocacy for stronger and binding measures in the EU-Indonesia CEPA, the USA-KENYA FTA and to lobby for gender sensitive trade policies. They did this advocacy by organizing a series of discussions on Trade and Climate, Trade and Human Rights International Frameworks as well as publishing policy briefings and discussion papers on the human rights and environment regulations gaps in investment policy frameworks. Both ENDS provided input on for instance gender sensitive trade policies and this result followed from work funded by Both ENDS.
6) 2 CSOs increased their knowledge and narrative on gender impacts of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which resulted in a report published and distributed on the implications of FTAs on African women in general, and visualized the need to be gender sensitive on the African continental Free Trade Agreement. The report was distributed to other actors working on the topic and used in advocacy towards amongst others governments. Both ENDS shared knowledge and has strategized together with the CSOs towards developing capacity to influence trade policy that is gender-sensitve and focused on women.
Outcome F: Practice Changed
Improved trade and investment policies and processes are implemented and enforced.
2.F
# mechanisms, policies and regulations implemented and enforced by national, regional and international government bodies to ensure policies related to trade and investment advance policy coherence for development in LLMICs.
All baselines are set at 0
On July 6, 2016, the Dutch government announced that it has received an official notification from Indian authorities seeking termination of the bilateral investment protection treaty (BIT) signed between the Netherlands and India in 1995. Soon after the release of its new model text of BITs, India has served similar termination notices to as many as 57 countries and issued joint interpretative statements to the remaining 25 treaty states. In 2016 Both ENDS and partner organizations continued their active engagement with various stakeholders on the need to reform IIAs, with special emphasis on India’s BITs regime. During the year, research, education and publication activities were undertaken to raise public awareness and to highlight cross-cutting thematic concerns related to BITs policy and practice in civil society, academic and policy circles. On March 16, 2016, the Indian partner CSO along with Both ENDS and SOMO jointly launched the book “Rethinking Bilateral Investment Treaties: Critical Issues and Policy Choices”. The book contains three chapters on India’s Bilateral Investment Treaties. With distinct analyses, the three chapters are written by experts from diverse backgrounds – including one chapter by concerned Indian officials (in their personal capacities). This was followed by a public event of book launch and panel discussion held on May 13 in Delhi.
* BE and SEATINI analysed the Uganda-NL BIT. With technical input of BE, SEATINI convinced the Ministry of Trade to not renew the old BIT. During the first half of 2017 the government of Uganda decided to not extend tacitly the BIT between with Netherlands and Uganda. Both countries agreed to modernize their agreement. The related negotiations are expected to start in 2018. *In 25 Jan 2017 the first meeting of the newly established Breed Handelsberaad took place. It allows for structural exchange of views between the Dutch Government and CSOs on trade and investment policy matters, and offers opportunities to raise concerns of our Southern partners. Together with other CSOs, Both ENDS has been advocating for this platform and is currently an active member. When Argentina annouced that they ban access to the WTO ministerial, Both ENDS (and other FGG members) lobbied the Dutch Government to convince Argentina to change its position. In the end Argentinas revised the ban for most of the EU CSOs participants.
2 treaties are changed: * NL-Uganda BIT does not get automtically extended. * India terminates (or modifies) its existing BITs.
1 practice changed whereby new BITs of the Netherlands will not be negotiated based on the old BIT model, as a result of joint advocacy of BE and local partners (from LLMICs).
1. (1) Based on the new Dutch BIT model, which includes several reform articles dealing with the protection of business related human rights, the possibility to file complaints by large enterprises has been reduced significantly. The Netherlands started new negotiations with Ecuador, Argentina and Burkina Faso. This is the first time the improvements of the new BIT model form the basis of BIT negotiations. Both ENDS advocated for improvements in the Dutch model BIT, based on the experiences of partners, during its development in 2018.
1) The termination of 8 BITs (7 BITs of India with Jordan, Myanmar, Serbia, Mozambique, Syria, Brunei and 1 BIT of Indonesia with Australia), where Both ENDS and partners carried out lobby and advocacy, entered into force in 2020. (1)
2) A new phase for termination of BITs between LLMICs and EU countries is on the horizon as 23 EU Member States signed the agreement for the termination of intra-EU BITs (“Termination Agreement”). This makes it politically easier for LLMICs to terminate their BITs with EU member states which amount to approximately 200 BITs. Both ENDS and partners have played an active role in advocating for the termination of all treaties that contain ISDS as well as calling for the EU to fulfill the related ruling of the European court of justice in 2018. (1)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:22020A0529(01)
Outcome A: Enabling Environment
The rights and (legal) space of people, communities and civil society actors in Low- and Lower-Middle Income Countries (LLMICs) active on trade and investment are protected.
2.A.a
# mechanisms put in place or improved by governments that guarantee access for civil society to democratic decision making processes related to trade and investment, including the right to resist developments.
All baselines are set at 0
1 mechanism is improved to guarantee access for CSO's amongst which BE, FGG and/or partners at UNICITRAL
"1. 1 mechanism improved: UNCITRAL transparency rules have been included in the new draft Dutch model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). BE gave input through a consultation process organized by the Dutch government. Through the transparency rules CSOs are better equipped to engage with Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) cases. EXTRA: 1 mechanism put in place: Dutch government had an inclusive process to allow input from CSOs on the proposed model text on BITs, which acts as an example for similar processes in other countries."
2 mechanisms related to the international trade/investment negotiations have been improved (for instance at international institutions such as WTO and UN institutions) for CSOs to influence the decision-making processes related to trade, through strengthened international collaboration between CSOs, facilitated by Both ENDS and local partners in at least 3 LLMIC countries.
1 mechanism improved: In the new Dutch model BIT civil society has been given the possibility to intervene with the arbitrator, for example by sending letters. New transparency rules will ensure a strongly improved level of transparency which apply to all procedures under the new Dutch BITs. This transparency is necessary so that CSOs can make use of the possibility to intervene in the decisions making process of arbitrators by means of so called Amicus curiae letters {[plural: amici curiae] means “friend of the court”. Both ENDS lobbied for several years to achieve this (see related earlier IATA reporting on “Mauritius convention”). A partner provided the example illustrating why such a mechanism was needed and why the old mechanism was insufficient.
1. 1 mechanism improved: UNCTAD will provide a greater entrance for CSO’s with respect to amongst others, their participation in UNCTAD meetings. Both ENDS will address this through its strategic partnership with UNCTAD. 2.1 mechanism improved: WTO allows for a greater CSO input on the structural reforms. Both ENDS will continue to lobby towards the WTO for better access of CSOs to this and to other decision making processes.
1.1) In 2020, due to the global pandemic, neither the scheduled events of UNCTAD nor the WTO ministerial took place. (0)
EXTRA: In the European Green Deal the European Commission announced that a Chief Trade Policy Enforcer, among his other functions, will ensure effective implementation of trade agreements includ-ing labor rights, environmental commitments and the role of civil society in implementing the agree-ments. The Chief Trade Policy Enforcer is a new position created in summer 2020 see https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_1409. Both ENDS and FGG partners have called for several years for the need to strengthen enforcement of the so called sustainability chapter in EU FTAs. The decision by the EU to create the new role of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO) is a response to this call. Both ENDS as part of the S2B network (like TNI) contributes to lobby-ing and carrying out advocacy at the EU level. (1)
2.A.b
# effective legal and other grievance mechanisms adopted or improved by governments via which CSOs and communities can resolve grievances with governments and companies related to trade and investment and claim their environmental, human and worker rights.
All baselines are set at 0
Outcome E: Policies Changed
Policies related to trade and investment are improved, so that they advance policy coherence for development.
2.E
# mechanisms, policies and regulations improved or introduced by national, regional and international government bodies to ensure policies related to trade and investment advance policy coherence for development in LLMICs.
All baselines are set at 0
The "Mauritius Convention" (United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration) was signed by the Netherlands on 18/05/2016. Since the adoption of the UN Convention Both ENDS advocated consistently for the signature and ratification.as well through public communication [1a] as by direct engagement with Dutch government officials and staff of the EU commission. Both ENDS had been invited by UNCTAD to share its views on the need to reform the current regime of international Investment Agreements. This allowed to highlight the importance of the convention during a high level meeting of UNCTAD on 16 March 2016 (see for the speech held by Both ENDS http://unctad-worldinvestmentforum.org/?page_id=9740&preview=true )
- 1 policy improved: in 2017 The Dutch Government has decided to design a new model text for Dutch BITs and are working on it after continuous lobby of BE (together with SOMO and MD) in which recommendations for reform have been made. - 1 policy improved: The decision has been taken to not sign the EU Singapore FTA investment chapter for the time being. BE has pointed repeatedly to the problems of the investment chapter in conversations with policy makers (in Den Haag and Brussels)
1 policy improved on sustainbility and ISDS chapter and inlcusion of gender and exclusion of UPOV 91 and promotion thereof 2. 1 policy on IPR in EPA is improved by not including or pushing for UPOV 91 in its chapter
"1. Partly as a result of Both ENDS contributions to the reform process of the model BIT, for example by actively participating in consultations, the Dutch policy around the model BIT was improved in three areas: a) on sustainability: new Dutch model text of the BIT includes more elements related to sustainable development. b) gender: appointment of arbitrators has to ensure an adequate gender representation in the new model BIT. And Minister Kaag committed herself to a stronger trade and gender agenda (do no harm principle) during WTO meeting in Geneva c) ISDS: Dutch model text included several reform elements from the EU CETA model. Since 2016, Both ENDS has contributed to this reform process of the model BIT in several ways, such as involvement in consultations. 2. (o) In 2018 there were no Intellectual Property Rights negotiations happening in the Economic Partnerships Agreements frameworks. EXTRA: 1 policy improved: Both ENDS informed the government of Burkina Faso on the efforts by local CSOs to convince the Dutch government to terminate the controversial and outdated BIT with Burkina Faso by mutual consent. After these efforts failed, Burkina Faso decided in June to terminate the treaty unilaterally. EXTRA: 1 policy improved: With support from 1 Ugandan CSO and Both ENDS a working group was created that brought together members of Tanzanian CSOs, human rights lawyers and workers’ representatives, which developed a joint position that the Government of Tanzania should consider a review of the BIT with the Netherlands, mainly based on clauses (ISDS) that undermine governments' right to regulate investment, and the lack of balance between rights and obligations of investors. The working group handed over their analysis during a meeting with the Attorney General, which resulted in the government of Tanzania handing over its termination letter to the Netherlands in 2018. EXTRA: 1 policy improved: Following long time lobby and advocacy work of Both ENDS (with SOMO, TNI & Millieudefensie), the Dutch government agreed to a new model text for its BITs. The Dutch government announced the intent to renegotiate all old BITs based on this new text, which includes more elements related to sustainable development and provides more possibilities for CSO engagement with ISDS cases. In addition the new text requires that the appointment of arbitrators has to ensure an adequate gender representation."
2 policies improved: *The Netherlands sign the Mauritus convention (United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration (New York, 2014)) *The EU Singapore FTA does not get signed before the text of the investment chapter has been changed.
2 BITs between the Netherlands and an African LLMIC country have been terminated, through joint awareness-raising (on the shortcomings and potential dangers of these BITs) of CSOs in Sub-Sahara Africa and in the Netherlands.
1. 2 policies changed: the BITs of the Netherlands with Burkina Faso and Tanzania were terminated in 2019 (BIT with Burkina Faso on 01-01-2019 and the BIT with Tanzania on 01-04-2019). The termination of the BITs is a consequence of the efforts of local, Dutch and international CSOs in collaboration with Both ENDS to convince the Burkinabé and Tanzanian government to terminate the BITs. Both ENDS role in this process was focused on knowledge exchange, joint strategizing and funding activities in Tanzania. This for example now prevents that Dutch letter box companies can (threaten to) sue these governments for compensation in case they introduce new environmental or tax laws or other policy changes in the public interest that might have negative implication for new investment and in future expected profits. EXTRA A: 1 policy improved: There is a new Dutch model for bilateral investment agreements (agreed in 2019) that includes several reform articles dealing with the protection of business related human rights. The model BIT states Contracting Parties are committed to the UN guiding principles and the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises, including a commitment to strengthen the framework. Another article states that parties have an obligation to protect against business-related human rights abuse and access to effective remedy, including to take appropriate steps. Both ENDS advocated for improvements in the Dutch model BIT, based on the experiences of partners, during its development in 2018. EXTRA B, 1 policy improved: the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has been finalized, in which several controversial regulations were removed: ISDS, TRIPS Plus and E-commerce. The ratification process in parliament will take place in 2020. This result has been achieved after extensive lobby of FGG’s partners, in which Both ENDS’s role was to assist partner upon their request with expert knowledge, strategizing and financial support for the activities. EXTRA C, 1 policy improved: The trade and Sustainable Development Chapters of the EU Mercosur agreement now include a reference to the Paris Agreements, after lobby and advocacy done by the transatlantic alliance consisting of CSOs of Mercosur and EU countries through a joint letter, meetings with the European Parliament and Chief Negotiators. Both ENDS provided input on the letter, especially on our aim that the countries of the EU Mercosur agreement (especially Bolsonaro) should give tangible proof that they will not withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Although the reference in the agreement is still non-binding, it is an improvement of the agreement.
1) Both ENDS Lobby and Advocacy on climate change overall has successfully influenced the Dutch policy position in the EU council on (1) current and coming EU Trade policy-making through among others meetings with policymakers, contributions through social media and online gatherings. The change of the Dutch policy position has been reflected in a related The Non-Paper by the Netherlands and France which calls for:
- that countries with which the EU wants to agree on a trade agreement have to be party to the Paris Agreement and live up to the legally binding commitments. This requirement will have to be part of the so call “essential elements” of the trade agreement, allowing for unilateral remedies in case of a breach.
7) After joint lobby and advocacy by a network of Northern and Southern CSOs including Both ENDS and SEATINI, the Energy Charter Treaty decided to halt its expansion to include new members until the currently ongoing modernization process will be concluded. (1)
Outcome C: Alternatives Developed
Alternative approaches to the current trade and investment regime—which are people-driven, gender inclusive and sustainable policies and practices that improve policy coherence for development, such as the Alternative Trade Mandate—have been developed, piloted and promoted by FGG and civil society actors.
2.C
# alternative approaches to the current trade and investment regime developed with CSOs in LLMICs that have been developed, piloted and/or promoted.
All baselines are set at 0
Both ENDS and Milieudefensie developed an alternative for the current trade and investment regime on how to shape the current system in such a way that it contributes to realizing the Paris Climate Agreements. The report was released in 2018 and follow-up will take place in 2018.
1 proposal for the alternative approach of acknowledging independent seed systems of local farmers and farmerettes as opposed to UPOV 91 is developed together with local CSOs 1 alternative approach and strategy to the MIC is developed by an European network and its partner CSOs from LLMICs 1 alternative: development of East African Community Model BIT which ensures coherence for development
"1. BE has worked on an alternative approach of acknowledging seed systems of local farmers and farmerettes as opposed to UPOV 91, with a growing network, though it has not yet led to a proposal. 2. An alternative approach for a Multilateral Investment Court was proposed and promoted to the reform discussions at UNCITRAL for international investment rules in a letter by 300 civil society organisations among Both ENDS. Together with a group of CSOs BE worked on the content of the letter but did not take the lead in this. 3. Building further on the work of 2017: concrete alternative proposals for the text of BITS with the Netherlands, have been jointly developed during CSO meetings (such as seminars in which BE participated) in the East African Community. In 2018, alternatives are formulated, developed and promoted, to provide an investment environment, which takes the local impacts and benefits into account, and is inclusive and sustainable."
Outcome D: Agendas Set
Decision makers prioritise improvement measures due to support from influential civil society actors, critical media attention, increased public awareness and effective scrutiny of trade and investment policies.
2.D
# proposals for improvement to policies related to trade and investment discussed by national, regional and international government bodies and/or by private policy makers, in academia, public agenda, media and social movements.
All baselines are set at 0
The need for revision of BIT regime on agenda of policymakers. On March 16, 2016, Madhyam, Both ENDS and SOMO jointly launched the book “Rethinking Bilateral Investment Treaties: Critical Issues and Policy Choices” that contains a divers and in-depth analysis of the flows of current international investment agreements and contains several proposals for improvement to policies related to trade and investment. The book was very well received [during the first two weeks after the book launch more than 17000 downloads of the Ebook took place at Madhyam’s website] At the UN Both ENDS presented the need for reform at two expert meetings organized by UNCTAD and organized a related official side event at during the UNCTAD XiV conference in Nairobi Besides several webbased articles and blog posts an op-ed article on the need to overhaul investment treaty regime by Madhyam and Both ENDS was published by the Financial Times on July 15. The article analyses India’s policy to serve notices to 57 countries including the UK, Germany, France and Sweden seeking termination of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) whose initial duration has either expired or will expire soon.
- 1 proposal: In December Both ENDS participated as CSO advisor in the Dutch Government delegation to the WTO ministerial, this allowed to inform the Dutch delegation about the views of CSOs on the issues discussed during the WTO ministerial conference. - 1 proposal: In 2016 the European Commission announced plans to establish a Multilateral Investment Court as an alternative to the infamous ISDS dispute settlement system between foreign investors and states. Both ENDS participated in several consultations with EU commission and the Dutch Government on this in spring of 2017. Since the proposal had received little public scrutiny Friends of the Earth Europe, CEO, TNI, SOMO , Both ENDS and Ecologistas in action, organized in Brussels on 22 September a public event with international experts to discuss the proposal and examine alternative approaches. - 1 proposal for improvement on the need to reform BITs in relation to its impact on human rights was discussed by 35 activists, CSOs, politicians and academics during a public forum titled 'Free Trade Agreements, ISDS and its Impacts on Human Rights' (November 18 2017, Kuala Lumpur), resulting in increased awareness and a better understanding of the issue amongst the audience, and public attention and press coverage in Malaysia on the role of International Investment Agreements. This opens up the space for CSOs involved in international/regional trade and investment agreements. BE organised the event, financed it and participated as speaker. - 1 proposal for improvement on investment promotion in the East Africa Community (EAC) discussed by government officials during a capacity building workshop organized with support of Both ENDS by African CSOs in Kigali (Rwanda) on the 22nd - 24th November 2017, resulting in an improved understanding of BITs and CSOs views on it, stronger engagement with CSOs on the subject matter and public attention on the role of International Investment Agreements. - 1 proposal for improvement on international human rights mechanisms such as IACHR, indicating the working and shortcomings of these mechanisms and the need for additional remedies, presented and discussed with social movements during a meeting on the UN Treaty on Transnational Corporation and business enterprises with resprect to Human Rights and Multilateral Investment Court (MIC)
1 proposal for improvement of link between UPOV 91, FTA's and other trade treaties is acknowledged and known among CSOs and policy makers
1.1 proposal: Problems of BITs and ISDS for developing countries have been put on the agenda of the general public and Dutch policy makers (by joint publications anda public debate ‘50 years is not enough’ in Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam). The publications were used by members of parliament in the debate with the MoFA. Both ENDS has contributed to the publication and was speaker at the public event. 1.1 proposal: Both ENDS participated (sharing knowledge and contacts) in the preparations of the pan European 'stop ISDS-campaign' that was launched in January 2019. It contributes to a broader social movement on BITS, that raises awareness in several EU-member states. This is seen as more effective than separate campaigns throughout Europe. 1. 1 proposal: A joint CSO letter from Both ENDS (also supported by SOMO and Milieudefensie) to Minister Kaag on the controversial Bilateral Investment Treaty between the Netherlands and Burkina Faso led to two motions in parliament supporting the CSO call for its termination (both got rejected). EXTRA: 1 proposal: With financial support of BE, bilaterals.org publishes up to date information on trade and investment agreements (reporting still expected). Through this, CSOs are better informed, and better able to plan strategically, about ongoing negotiation processes and the technical details of these negotiations. Without Both ENDS’ contribution, this website would not have been able to publish up to date information, as it would have less resources to collect data and write articles. EXTRA: (1) A joint position paper on civil society position on RCEP (regional comprehensive economic partnership) and the new EU Indonesian trade agreement was developed and presented by an Indonesian CSO network (including 1 partner) during several negotiation meetings with Indonesian decision makers.
The need for a systematic reform of the global regime of international investment agreements is recognized, and how to achieve policy coherence for development is discussed on the national and UN level.
1. 1 proposal to improve the link between UPOV 91, FTAs and other trade treaties is acknowledged and discussed amongst Asian and African CSOs (from LLMICs), their national policy-makers or international policy-makers of international trade institutions, in which Both ENDS plays a faciliting role and jointly develops the proposal with local CSOs. 2. 1 proposal for improvement of EU investment rules and the impacts for the global South has been discussed with policy makers through the participation of Both ENDS and Southern partners (from LLMIC) in pan-European activities
1. 1 proposal for improvement in trade agreements to safeguard peasant’s rights to seeds have been discussed between peasants, civil society and academics, which led to a joint release, a Terms of Reference and joint activity letter between civil society and academics, a social media campaign and a follow-up workshop planned for 2020. Both ENDS collaborated with the a partner from Indonesia through knowledge exchange, sharing analyses and financially supporting the activities and follow-up. 2. 1 proposal on improvements in the EU-Indonesia trade agreement discussed between CSOs and EU and Indonesian chief negotiators during the last negotiation round of EU Indonesia FTA negotiations. Part of the proposal was about alternatives to the EU proposal for an investment chapter that would not include ISDS or an ICS (such as the current approaches reflected in the new BITs of Brazil that does not include ISDS or an approach based on the new Dutch model BIT but with significant modification of the current text in Section 6 limited to consolations and alternative dispute resolution or mirroring the dispute settlement mechanism currently foreseen for disputes under the Sustainability chapter of EU trade and agreements like CETA). This was discussed with Indonesian negotiators. During the EU-Indonesia negotiations rounds in Brussel, Both ENDS initiated the meeting and facilitated participation of CSOs. Both the EU and Indonesian negotiators gave positive feedback on the meeting. EXTRA A: 1 proposal for improvement on “Evolving Trade and Investment Regimes: Implications on East Africa’s Realization”, in specific, the respect of human and environmental rights in trade and investment agreements, were discussed between civil society, government officials and media in Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania through physical meetings and a public dialogue. This led to media coverage and increased knowledge and capacities of government officials to develop trade and investment policies and negotiate agreements. Both ENDS collaborated with the partner through knowledge exchange, sharing analyses and financially supporting the workshop and follow-up. EXTRA C: 1 proposal for improvement [Such as exclusion of ISDS or far reaching intellectual property rights (that might limit the access to seeds and medicine) or the need for sufficient safeguards on agriculture and food security ]in RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) has been discussed through stakeholder engagement with negotiators (for instance in Bali on 25th of February 2019), which resulted in a press release, media articles, verbal interventions and a statement. The partner from Indonesia collaborated with Both ENDS through knowledge exchange, sharing analysis and BE’s financial support for the activities. EXTRA D: 1 proposal on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement has been discussed between the CSO from the transatlantic alliance, academics, European Parliament and negotiators, warning for the impacts of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement on human rights, deforestation and climate, while also indicating what is needed for the trade agreement to overcome these negative impacts; based upon a letter signed by more than 340 CSOs from EU and Mercosur countries. BE gave input for the letter and signed as well. The letter was the kick off for creating a transatlantic alliance doing L&A on this FTA. The Greens (EFA) organized a conference and a debate in the European Parliament on the incompatibility of the Greendeal and Mercosur. EXTRA E: 1 proposal on how global trade impacts women in LLMICs and ways to design trade agreements in such a way that these do not impact women negatively (or even strengthen women), captured in a publication ‘vrouwen in international handel, een koopje?’ with advice for governments and private sector on gender equality in trade and investment agreements. Both ENDS and Action Aid contributed by providing input based upon experiences of partners from amongst others Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. EXTRA F: 1 proposal, created by a partner from Tanzania and Both ENDS, on how BITs of Tanzania need to be improved with regard to unjust ISDS arbitrations that affect Tanzanian public spending. Such proposal was then discussed between the partner and the Attorney General of Tanzania (who advises the government in all matters relating to laws, treaties and international agreements).These discussions and inputs, alongside the inputs of others, contributed to a decision of the Attorney General to review about 200 investment deals with harmful effects for Tanzanian inhabitants and the environment. Both ENDS collaborated with the partner through knowledge exchange, sharing analyses and financial support.
1. 1 proposal for improvement to recognize the rights of farmers to alternative seeds management systems to UPOV91 is discussed by the government of Indonesia and Indonesian CSOs. The CSOs will seek this reaffirmation of their rights through legal strategies. Both ENDS will support strategically. 2. 1 proposal for improvement of new bilateral investment treaties is discussed by CSOs with their government (probably in Africa). CSOs and Both ENDS will jointly develop these proposals, discuss them with their governments and policy-makers, each based upon their knowledge and expertise. 3. 1 proposal on the need to better understand the gender implications of proposed trade agreements is discussed and recognised by decision makers in the Netherlands. Steps are taken by the government to ensure that trade policies and trade agreements redress rather than exacerbate gender inequalities. This is the result of Both ENDS’ lobbying and advocacy efforts, in collaboration with other Dutch CSOs and based upon experiences of Southern CSOs, on gender and trade towards the Dutch Government. Extra. 4. 1 proposal on sustainable and just trade and investment discussed with UNCTAD by CSOs who were able to make use of the possibility to participate in UNCTAD meetings. Both ENDS will facilitate the access of CSOs to UNCTAD, whereby Both ENDS will help to facilitate and support the related processes.
1. 1 proposal on seeds, UPOV 91 and trade in relation to the Law on Sustainable Agricultural Cultivation Systems and Plant Varieties and Other Agriculture Regulations discussed by CSOs in Indonesia with young farmers, students and academics, which resulted in the development of a legal strategy to stop the Indonesian government from criminalizing local farmers’ traditional seed systems in favor of seed markets in line with UPOV91. Both ENDS contributed by sharing expertise and strategizing together (1)
2. Following on prior lobby and advocacy work by a network of CSOs in Tanzania, led by a partner CSO targeting the government of Tanzania, the network was invited to meet with the Government. In the meeting the Goverment agreed that further reform of BITs would be needed. The government also signaled that they would like to get input from CSOs and trade unions in analysing the Tanzania-Sweden and Tanzania-Finland BIT. Both ENDS helped to set up the network in previous years and supported the network with technical support since then. (1)
3. 1 proposal on gender and trade, calling for the need t to recognise the impacts of trade and investment deals on women (developed and published in 2019 by Both ENDS in collaboration with WO=MEN, Wide+ and ActionAid) , led to conversations with the Dutch government. The Dutch government included similar demands in the position they took in the EU internal discussion over a new EU trade policy (1) . In November 2020, a non paper of the Dutch Government with other EU member states to the EU commission from Nov 2020, reflected similar positions:
https://www.permanentrepresentations.nl/documents/publications/2020/11/09/non-paper-promoting-gender-equality-through-trade-policy
4. no meetings took place (0)
Additional:
Extra1. Both ENDS and other 150 NGOs raised alarm that the WTO ignores COVID19, and called to immediately halt ongoing negotiations until they can be pursued in a transparent, inclusive and rational manner, which is not possible unless normalcy is restored across the globe. Both ENDS was part of the group taking the initiative for this letter that was sent to the DG of the WTO and the government delegations of WTO members including the Netherlands. Both ENDS did related outreach to CSOs and facilitated the dissemination and collection of signatures and rose awareness via social media https://bothends.org/uploaded_files/inlineitem/Call_to_Halt_Fisheries_Subsidies_Negotiations_in_th.pdf This open letter and its policy demands also led to questions in the Dutch parliament (1) by the members Futselaar and Alkaya [see https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kv-tk-2020Z07646.pdf] 2020Z07646.pdf .
[zie ook E.5]
Extra2. 265 Northern and Southern CSOs signed a joint letter calling for improving the EU-Mercosur trade agreement in June 2020. The letter was referenced by EU politicians (1), resulting in questions in national parliaments. Both ENDS has been actively involved in bringing CSOs together (from EU and Latin American countries), formulating the letter and distributing the letter. https://www.bothends.org/en/Whats-new/Press/Press-release-%E2%80%93-Call-by-265-organisations-to-the-EU-%E2%80%9CDo-not-sign-the-EU-Mercosur-trade-agreement%E2%80%9D/
EXTRA 3.: 1 proposal on human rights and trade discussed by Both ENDS partners from Indonesia and Uganda as part of the Asian Task Force and the African Trade Network respectively, with Asian and African governments (2) during the “Sixth session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights”. Both ENDS collaborates closely with these partners and this was part of the work Both ENDS supports financially as well.
Extra4. Both ENDS and 658 other Northern and Southern CSOs wrote a joint letter adressing the problem of ISDS cases that might be brought during the pandemic. In the letter, the groups urge governments to immediately and urgently take the following steps:
1. Permanently restrict the use of ISDS in all its forms in respect of claims that the state considers to concern COVID-19 related measures.
2. Suspend all ISDS cases on any issue against any government while it is fighting COVID-19 crises, when capacity needs to be focussed on the pandemic response.
3. Ensure that no public money is spent paying corporations for ISDS awards during the pandemic.
4. Stop negotiating, signing, and or ratifying any new agreements that include ISDS.
5. Terminate existing agreements with ISDS, ensuring that ‘survival clauses’ do not allow cases to be brought subsequently.
6. In light of threats exposed by the pandemic, comprehensively review existing agreements that include ISDS to see if they are fit for purpose.
The letter was covered by media and discussed by parliamentarians and policymakers in different countries. Both ENDS played an active role in convening and formulating the letter, together with its partners in Uganda, Asia and Europe.
(count: 2: media and parliamentarians/policymakers) https://www.bothends.org/en/Whats-new/News/630-civil-society-groups-sound-alarm-over-wave-of-Covid-19-claims-in-corporate-courts-/
EXTRA: (2) proposals of East African CSOs and Both ENDS on strengthening the role of farmer-managed seed systems in relation to trade agreements has been discussed with CSOs, media and parliamentarians during a awareness raising campaign on farmer-managed seed systems and trade agreements (including three webinars, a position paper, two technical papers, a documentary, engagement and meetings with members of parliament and a TV talk show on Ugandan national broadcast), resulting in increased public awareness, strengthened collaboration amongst Ugandan CSOs, and five MPs committing themselves to opposing policy frameworks that criminalize indigenous farmers in Uganda.
-
Extra) based upon interests and needs of partners in Latin American countries involved, CSOs in the Netherlands (amongst which Both ENDS, TNI, VMD, SOMO) have carried out lobby and advocacy concerning the EU-Mercosur trade agreement (through amongst others letters, publications, meetings with parliamentarians). This work has influenced the parliament (1) that in June passed a motion requesting the Dutch government to inform the EU Commission that The Netherlands withdraws support for the EU Mercosur agreement. This however, does not mean the EU-Mercosur is over.
https://twitter.com/bibothends/status/1267829716452429829?s=20
Voting at 2 June 2020 – Result: 79 + / 71 -
https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/moties/detail?id=2020Z03354&did=2020D07035
Extra)Dutch parliament passed a motion (1) demanding to include in the EU Council conclusions that if Vietnam does not to ratify ILO conventions on forced labor and freedom of association, that this could lead to sanctions or suspension of the proposed EU Vietnam trade agreement. Both ENDS role was raising awareness of policymakers about the insufficiency of the Trade and Sustainable Development Chapter.
https://twitter.com/bibothends/status/1237452996943978496?s=20
Extra) A motion was passed (1) by the EU Parliament demanding that "the Union shall end protection of investments in fossil fuels in the context of the modernisation of the Energy Charter Treaty". Both ENDS role was actively carrying out advocacy targeting MEPs via social media during the political decision-making process in Brussels.
https://twitter.com/bibothends/status/1313825312443117569?s=20
Extra) A motion was passed by the EU Parliament declaring that "… the EU-Mercosur agreement cannot be ratified as it stands". Both ENDS was part of the EU CSO network carrying out lobby and advocacy among EU parliamentarians and invested in dedicated advocacy work targeting MEPs via social media during the political decision making process in Brussels. (1)
https://twitter.com/bibothends/status/1313502852447457280?s=20
https://twitter.com/bibothends/status/1267829716452429829?s=20
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/covid19_e/international_networks_letter_e.pdf
NL-KVK-41210098-FGG-ToC3
Both ENDS
FGG BE ToC 3: Improved Financial and Tax Systems
Both ENDS will continue to analyse the role of development financial institutions (DFIs) as key sources of finance for financial sector reform in developing countries, in order to advocate with Southern partners, such as like Afrodad and Tax Justice Africa. Special attention will be given to access for local, female and young entrepreneurs, small-scale male and female food producers, poor clients, rural areas. The UN Sustainable Development Goals and the COP21 climate talks agreed upon by 2015 will serve as a basis to compare whether the roles the DFIs play in relation to the financial sector contribute to the agreed UN goals. Both ENDS will continue her working on climate finance, with a special focus on the Green Climate Fund in order to make sure the actions of the GCF will be in line with the interests of local communities (including their access to the fund, transparency and gender). As an official civil society observer, we try to empower and strengthen the capacities of southern CSOs to actively engage with and have access to climate finance (with a special focus on the Green Climate Fund and strengthen their access by attending board meetings, deliver inputs and comments, invite southern partners to work with them towards accreditation and funding). We also work on the role of tax havens in transactions supported by Atradius DSB and other private sector development support for Dutch corporations in sectors such as water management, coastal defence, port development and land reclamation, and off-shore infrastructure development. It will advocate due diligence procedures to require the exclusion of artificial constructions that result in tax evasion. Both ENDS will build on existing work on Dutch private sector finance (e.g. Dutch Good Growth Fund, FMO) and start monitoring recently introduced programmes like DRIVE and Develop2Build as well as the contributions of Atradius DSB. Both ENDS and partners will seek to influence and monitor the standards, policies and operations of development banks the Netherlands has a stake in (including the AIIB, FMO, World Bank) and Atradius DSB with the aim to strengthen them. In order to do so, Both ENDS will develop case studies and support local communities as advisors in developing and filing complaints where needed. Local partners will be involved in these case studies, allowing for joint advocacy activities aiming to address eventual social, environmental and/or human rights related concerns. Joint advocacy efforts will be elaborated to enhance the transparency and accountability of development banks and the Dutch ECA. Both ENDS will highlight the impacts of Atradius DSB support for transactions and IFI investments in the fossil fuel chain. The activities will contribute to mutual capacity building, so that Southern CSOs can closely observe the investment and policies of emerging DFIs and IFIs, and monitor public funding of the private sector in their countries. FGG members will also support these CSOs enabling them to participate in policy debates, present case studies and participate in international meetings. Cooperation with local organisations in the development of case studies and complaints will generate awareness and capacity for these CSOs to promote effective enforcement of standards and policies of development banks and ECAs. Both ENDS has long term experience applying the Negotiated Approach. A method for involving communities in participatory and climate proof integrated water management and in influencing water related investments. Both ENDS and selected partners from the AfriWater and IndoWater Communities of Practice will increase their knowledge and lobby capacity related to the key public institutions investing in the water sector in their country and region. These institutions invest both directly in specific water related projects and programmes, and indirectly by supporting key water governance institutions such as AMCOW, AMCEN or the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works. The selected partners will first study regional, country and (sub-) basin investment plans of the most relevant international financial institutions (e.g. 5-year country plans of the World Bank). Both ENDS will analyse relevant current or planned support of the Dutch government in the water sector (develop2build, DRIVE or ECA/FMO support to Dutch companies). Aforementioned studies and analysis will determine the selection of basins. Examples of basins with strong links to the Dutch Water sector and/or IFIs identified so far are Tana Delta in Kenya, Cotonou basin in Benin and Jakarta coastal area in Indonesia. The increased awareness and knowledge base will form the basis for further training for selected and potential partners and for a joint lobby and advocacy strategy for the coming years to be discussed with selected partners halfway 2016 in regional and country workshops in Africa and Indonesia respectively.
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Outcome D: Agendas Set
Decision makers prioritise improvement measures due to support from influential civil society actors, critical media attention, increased public awareness and effective scrutiny of financial and tax policies.
3.D
# proposals for improvement of financial, tax and spending policies discussed by private and public policy makers, and/or in academia, public agenda, media and social movements.
All baselines are set at 0
4. 1 BE formulated 21 parliamentarian questions which were raised by these parliamentarians on the policy review in November (2008-2015). Answers to our questions haven't been provided yet by the Ministery of Finance. BE will follow-up onces the answers are there. The role of tax due diligence in the CSR policies of ADSB was one of the issues raised. 5. 1 After BE has been advocating for a long time for public consultation on its new sustainability policy, FMO organised this for the first time ever. Both ENDS participated in this consultation together with more than 60 other national and gave extensive suggestions for improving human rights, land, tax and gender aspects of the policy. 7. 1 Both ENDS has written several official letters to government officials with information and requests related to the Barro Blanco and Agua Zarca case. In 2016 Both ENDS also convened several important meetings with government officials (including ministers and embassadors) and people from the affected communitieus around these FMO projecs. Overall we see increased responsiveness and involvement of Dutch government officials in FMO projects (still with room for improvement). In the Agua Zarca case the ministry and embassy are very much involved and it is believed that this involvement (in combinaiton with other factors) pushed FMO to withdraw from the project. 8. 1 BE, SOMO, TNI, AMRTA and Save Jakarta Bay conducted research addressing Dutch support of NCICD to be published in 2017, already leading to discussion with ministry of Infrastructure and Environment, Ministry of Foreign trade and Development Aid, and Dutch embassy in Jakarta in November. 9.1 BE and Forum Suape raised the need for the introduction of an independent grievance mechanism in multiple round table discussions with ADSB, Min Finance and NCP. As a result, the Min Finance is discussing how to improve their complaint mechanism on ADSB's website. BE will provide feedback on the proposal from Min Finance.
1 proposal: BE has made significant contributions to the joint CSO submissions on the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy of GCF, the Environmental Social Management System and Safeguards. These submissions were well received by several Board Meetings. The policies are to be discussed in 2018. During board meetings, BE has made numerous contributions to intervention points on Accreditation, Enhanced Direct Access, project proposals, accreditations of organisations. These intervention points clearly put the importance of increased local access to the funds and concerns around negative social and environmental impacts of proposed projects higher on the agenda, stressing the urgency to address these issues. It needs continuous pressure and dialogue to ensure they will be taken up in the further design and implementation of the policies, procedures and monitoring frameworks. 1 proposal: During the stakeholder consultation meeting in november 2017, MinFin/ADSB announced the introduction of a grievance mechanism. The draft version will be discussed with BE, SOMO and Transparancy International in February 2018. 1 proposal: Through the multi-stakeholder dialogue that was established in 2016, three local CSOs have used the 'Social Justice at Bay' report to further discussions among Jakarta's fishing communities on the driving forces behind NCICD and land reclamations. This has allowed them to engage in discussions with policy makers in Jakarta. BE played a facilitating and strategizing role in the discussions. 1. 1 proposal: Direct access and enhanced direct access came more than ever on the GCF agenda in 2017, mainly by the push from civil society, and BE as one of the drivers behind it. There were improvements made in the accreditation policy itself, and a simplified approval program and a document on the support for the direct access entities have been approved. Furthermore, a CSO in Micronesia has been approved as small grants direct access entity, which is a major milestone in the work for us and sets a precedent for our future work. - 1 proposal: As a spin-off from the Dutch lobby efforts BE was invited to provide inputs to Dutch policymakers on the Manila Bay Masterplanning proces. 3. 1 proposal: BE wrote a report on the fossil fuel support provided by ADSB. This report formulated 5 proposals for improving the ECA's policy. These proposals were discussed with the ministry of Foreign Affairs during a seminar organised by BE. Parliamentarian questions were raised by 2 parties. 4. BE formulated and shared with parliamentarians 1 proposal for improving the CSR policy on tax due diligence to be discussed during the general policy review of ADSB in parliament. 3 parliamentarian questions asked on tax due diligence of ADSB in preparation for the policy review discussion in the Dutch parliament. - 1 proposal: Based on the Final Statement of the NCP, MinFin/ADSB presented its draft information disclosure policy and renewed CSR policy during the stakeholder consultation meeting in november 2017. BE and two other CSOs provided input. Also, asked by ADSB, Both ENDS provided input for a study by SHIFT on improving the CSR policy of ADSB with reflections on implication of UN Guidelines on business and human rights. This study was presented during the stakeholder meeting and clarified the distinction between the role of MinFin as the government and ADSB as enterprise under the UNGPs. - 1 proposal on the diplomatic efforts of the Dutch government on supporting and stimulating the international CSR practices of Dutch infrastructure companies has been discussed between policy makers and companies, as advocated by Both ENDS and local groups in Suape. - 1 proposal: In May 2017 Both ENDS published the report "Dirty and Dangerous: the fossil fuel investments of Dutch pension fund ABP" on the damaging social and environmental impacts of its holdings. During a meeting with ABP this report was received and discussed. It came to the attention of the Dutch public via 15 media mentions, in amongst other different news papers. Both ENDS made 3 specific recommendations to Dutch pension fund ABP in this report: 1) sell off all its investments in coal companies and permanently exclude by end 2017; 2) commit to selling off remaining oil and gas investments over the next five years and permanently exclude from its investment portfolio; and 3) increase transparency of its fossil fuel portfolio to include information not currently made available to the public. Both ENDS in collaboration with Fossielvrij NL organised a public debate on "My pension and the climate crisis" in November 2017 in Amsterdam. A local partner from South Africa was one of speakers. 150 people attended. - 1 proposal:The EIB is reviewing its complaint mechanism. Both ENDS has, together with national and international partners, engaged pro-actively in the public consultation putting emphasis on improving the independence and the efficiency of the mechanims. We have also advocated for this at the Dutch representation of the EIB.We will continue strong advocacy on the EIB mechanims in 2018.
1. At least 1 proposal formulated and discussed how to link tax and CSR due diligence in a multi stakeholder meeting of CSOs, policy makers, journalists and/or academia 2. 1 proposal formulated and discussed to specify information on fossil fuel related transactions in the draft information disclosure policy of the Dutch export credit facility 3. At least 1 proposal formulated and discussed with ADSB and the Ministry of Finance for improvement of the CSR policy of ADSB during the evaluation of the implementation of the recommendations of the final statement of the NCP concerning the specific instance of the Suape case 4. 1 proposal on how to deal with bad disclosure and FI's policies of FMO will be discussed with ministry staff, CSOs and politicians 5. 1 proposal for an increased space of small grants funds discussed by one or more GCF board members 6. At least 1 proposal presented to relevant Dutch agencies (e.g. RVO, NWP) to incorporate local stakeholder consultation plan in trade-support mechanisms (trade missions, tendering, etc.)
1. (1) During the consultation process of the CSR policy of ADSB, Both ENDS formulated and discussed 1 proposal that tax due diligence should be part of the CSR policy of ADSB. This proposal was translated into a motion filed by politicians during the policy review in Dutch parliament requesting the government to screen ADSB's applications for money laundering and/or tax evasion for at least those companies that have been convicted in tax matters in the last 25 years. Unfortunately, this motion is not accepted. Both ENDS furthermore researched the more general link between tax and CSR due diligence for a follow-up discussion with a wider audience, with the aim to link tax and CSR by connecting CSOs working on one of these topics. This lobby proceeds in 2019. 2. (1) Both ENDS proposed that ADSB could specify the support for fossil fuel related transactions in its year report and in the list of supported projects. This was discussed (as motion) during the export credit policy review in Dutch Parliament, but not accepted. Both ENDS also discussed this directly with ADSB during the consultation meeting on the draft information disclosure policy. In 2019, Both ENDS will proceed this work as one of the working pillars in 2019. 3. (1) Both ENDS and Forum Suape formulated and discussed 4 proposals for due diligence policy with the NCP, MinFin and ADSB during the evaluation of the Suape case. Both ENDS discussed these proposals further during the consultation meeting on the renewal of the CSR policy of ADSB. The aim is to provide room for local communities to raise concerns about ASDB’s projects. Both ENDS’ and Forum Suape’s inputs are partly included in new CSR policy of ADSB. Both ENDS and Forum Suape will continue lobbying for better access in decision making processes of ADSB for local communities. 4. 1 proposal: As a result of research done by Both ENDS (and Profundo) about FI (financial intermediary) lending of FMO, this topic and the need for greater transparency about how these investments are selected and monitored, has been succesfully put on the FMO agenda and resulted in several in depth meetings on FI and a commitment of FMO to the writing of a position statement in 2019. Extra: (1) Motion adopted by Dutch parliament that requires ADSB to yearly report on how it contributed to the implementation of the SDGs. 5. 1 proposal for increased space for small grants funds has been discussed by the GCF Secretariat, GCF board members: in June 2018, Both ENDS released a new publication ‘Local Actors Ready to Act’ in cooperation with 1 CSO from Nepal, 1 CSO from Indonesia and Heinrich Boll Foundation USA urging the GCF with six concrete proposals to improve their policies and implementation to enhance local, gender-responsive action, with one chapter solely focused on small grants funds. The publication has been shared and discussed among several board members, including the Dutch board member advisor and the advisors of the GCF co-chairs. 6. (2) 1 full-day workshop on Dutch delta masterplanning organised at the University of Amsterdam SDG-conference with presentation from representatives from 2 partner CSOs from Indonesia and attendance of representatives from MinBuZa, MinI&W, RVO, NWP, private sector and knowledge institutes on stakeholder engagement in Dutch Delta Masterplanning. Proposals for improvement were bigger focus on bay rehabilitation instead of land reclamation and a bigger involvement of local CSOs in Dutch master planning. As a result of this workshop notes have been circulated internally in the various Ministries and talks are underway with MinBuZa on improvement for the inclusion of CSOs in Dutch water programmes. Two articles were published, one on Manilla Bay in Trouw and the other on Dutch master planning and local participation in Vice Versa water special. The agendas of MinBuZa, Trouw and Vice Versa are demonstrably set. Extra: (1) A CSO from Bangladesh has conducted field visits and interviews, and taken water quality samples to research the impact t of the garment industry on the water quality, and the effects of polluted water on communities living along polluted waterbodies, comparing the differentiated impacts on women and men. Through street demonstrations, a seminar, and media coverage related to these activities, the CSO has succeeded to enhance public awareness of the negative impact of the garment industry on water quality. Both ENDS supported this financially. Extra: (1) Save Jakarta Bay CSO network has organizied a field visit for the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food during his visit to Jakarta resulting in a mention in the official pre-statement of the special rapporteur on the effects of land reclamation. Both ENDS supported this financially. Extra: (1) Agenda set of Dutch pension fund ABP. Policy suggestions for ABP regarding CO2 emissions factoring and defunding ABP's fossil fuel investments formulated by Both ENDS in research report "Still Dirty & Still Dangerous: the fossil fuel investments of Dutch pension fund ABP". In this report cases were presented from Nigeria and Mozambique to illustrate some of the negative impacts of fossil fuel investments on the ground. The content of the report was checked with partners and written by Both ENDS. Extra: (4) Agenda set of 2 members of Parliament, and with Ministry of Social Affairs & Employment and Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate Policy. Kamervragen from SP and D66 based on research and policy suggestions by Both ENDS in the ABP report. Policy suggestions in the report are about divestment from oil and gas by the end of 2020, to set clear targets and criteria, and to be transparent in how to reach these. The questions from the parliament were about the progress made on these aspects, the point of view of the Minister and what they will do about it. Answers were provided by two Ministers. Extra: (1) Agenda set with Dutch Public as readers of media around the report. Increased public awareness and debate over increase in ABP's fossil fuel investments (media) through amongst others a Both ENDS press release on this topic, social media outreach and delivering input for a public event on divestment from fossil fuel. EXTRA: (2) As follow-up on the release of our publication ‘Local Actors ready to Act’, Both ENDS and small grants fund from Ghana organized an event during the Adaptation Futures conference in Cape Town, South Africa. During this events, we organized a panel including important groups in this matter: the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the GCF Secretariat, where we discussed our publication, with a specific focus on the role small grants funds have. This discussion provided a platform to increase space for the small grants fund from Ghana and enlarged access to policymakers. (aim is to accredit the small grants fund).
9 proposals are put on the agenda: 1. Alternative to direct access process on agenda of GCF Board. 2 write a proposal on the relation between trade agreements and sustainable development rules (carve-out & impact two degrees) - Relates to outcome 2.B 3. carbon tracking in investments of banks and ECA’s. 4. Tax due diligence discussed in CSR policy review ADSB. 5. FMO includes CSO’s in policy discussion on its ‘safeguards’. 6: FMO considers improvements in Land policy, human rights policy and disclosure policy. 7. The Dutch government increasingly takes its responsibility in FMO's business and engages more in policy discussions. 8. Proposal to improve public or private investments in the water sector in Indonesia and/or Africa discussed with relevant policy makers. 9. Grievance mechanism being discussed by MinFin/ADSB.
1. At least 1 proposal will be developed (by Both ENDS and partners) and discussed with CSOs and by policy makers, for tax screening to be included in CSR policies of ECAs and other public financial institutions. 2. 1 proposal: dialogue between Dutch government and NGOs has been succesfully used to put sustainability and human rights on the agenda within the IFIs financing projects in LLMICs. 3. 2 proposals: Based on the concerns of CBOs in at least 2 LLMIC countries 2 proposals for improvement have resulted in 3 questions in Parliament to use the Dutch influence within IFIs and FMO to strengthen the policy and practice of IFIs and FMO on sustainability and human rights. 4. 1 proposal: After input of Both ENDS and concerns of local partners (LLMICs), dialogue takes place at FMO about improvements of the ex ante disclosure and about reviewing its general disclosure policy. 5. 2 proposals: for improvement of Green Climate Fund policies discussed by Green Climate Fund board members: at least one on improving the gender policy, with improved text on at least specific definitions, time paths, and a strong role for human and women's rights; and on topics of local access, small grants funds, transparency and/or accreditation; and against business-as-usual large scale projects, such as large hydropower projects, through joint advocacy together with southern partners in the GCF CSO group during and in-between board meetings, and during meetings with board members and secretariat, with a strong role of the input of local partners. 6. 1 proposal for improvement of National Green Climate Fund related policies discussed by Zambian policy makers, local CSOs and women groups on their participation in the decision-making process, human and women's rights, environment, transparancy and local access related to the Green Climate Fund policies and projects. Both ENDS and Zambian CSOs jointly strategize, exchange information on national and international processes in order to mutually strengthen each others capacities to improve lobby and advocacy.
ECA-TAX (1)1 CSO from Mozambique wrote a letter to ADSB and attended a meeting with ADSB to use the ex-ante publication as an opportunity to share with ADSB its concerns about the social, environmental and political issues surrounding the LNG project in Cabo Delgado. Both ENDS explained the functioning, role and process of ADSB, shared relevant contacts, and helped in relating the local concerns to the policy level of ADSB. (1)1 CSO from Mozambique continuously engaged with the company leading the gas project and the Mozambican government to put issues and priorities of communities during the resettlement of communities on the agenda. Both ENDS strategized together with the CSO on how to best engage with the company to share the concerns. IFIs 1. 1 proposal: Dialogue between Both ENDS (and European partners) and the Dutch representatives (and its European counterparts) in the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank have led to the European Board taking a strong position on disclosure of information and gender in the preparation of the review of the Environmental and Social Safeguards of the bank. 2.(1)Based on the concern of our partner NGO Forum on ADB, which were passed through by BothENDS, GroenLinks raised parliamentarian questions about the AIIB, this in advance of the Luxemburg annual meeting in July 2019. Amongst others, questions dealt with the lack of accessibility of the PPM (project affected people’s mechanism) and the difficulties which affected communities face in receiving (access to) project information. These questions resulted in a strong commitment from the Dutch government to advocate for the improvement of the PPM and improve outreach between the AIIB and local groups and CSOs. (1)With input from Both ENDS, based on experience of our partners from Senegal) and Panama, GroenLinks and the PvdA submitted questions to the Minister of International Trade and Development Aid about 7 FMO projects where human rights and environmental standards are violated, among which Sendou in Senegal, Barro Blanco in Panama and Feronia in DRC. 3.*(1) After several meetings between FMO and Both ENDS (together with SOMO and Oxfam Novib) and written input from Both ENDS based on exchange with partners, FMO has included improved clauses on financial intermediaries to its disclosure policy. Further improvements to the disclosure policy remained high on the agenda of the structural dialogue between Both ENDS and FMO due to continuous pressure from our side. * 1 proposal on ex-ante disclosure: based on concerns of partners on ex-ante disclosure, a conversation with FMO staff took place resulting on FMO improving the replies to questions and clarifying the objective of ex-ante disclosure. (1)*After direct talks between Both ENDS and the Laos Country director of the World Bank based on findings and input of Both ENDS’ partner in Laos and a joint site visit of Both ENDS and our partner the oversight through 2020 of the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan of the NR 13 Road will be improved. KLIMAAT 1. (1)During board meeting November 2019, a new gender policy has been accepted. As civil society, we feel the policy is inadequate and lacks strong language on human and women’s rights, and a clear time path. As part of the CSO group, our partners and Both ENDS has advocated for improvement of the text during and in-between board meetings (during an extra call for input), and we strive to improve the text in the future, as this policy can be seen as an updated interim policy. The input was prepared by Both ENDS and partners from Mongolia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Indonesia as part of the wider community. It will be taken into account in the preparation of draft decisions for the next board meeting. (1)As part of the CSO active observer team, Both ENDS has facilitated feedback on project proposals and agenda items to the GCF board meetings, including BE partners from Tanzania, Mongolia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Indonesia and Chile. Both ENDS collected the input and sent these to the board. On this input, questions came back from the board and the accredited entities (institutions/organisations in charge of the projects). (1)In the forward-looking performance review of the GCF Independent Evaluation Unit, the suggestions by Both ENDS to use small grants funds as a way to channel climate finance to the local level has been notified; and the use of climate finance roundtables as an effective way to improve multi-stakeholders engagement at the national level. Both ENDS was interviewed by the evaluation unit and the BE publication ‘Local Actors Ready to Act’ was used as a source, it was quoted in the review. The performance review informed the board and the recommendations have been noted. 2. (1)During the meetings with the National Designated Authority (and during wider climate meetings with the Zambian government), our partners have provided inputs and feedback on the No Objection Letters regarding GCF projects and the GCF process in general, to make sure the projects are country-specific and in line with the 7th National Development Plan. Furthermore the Zambian partners have discussed tracking public and private inflow of climate finance, participatory governance, social and economic environmental impact assessments, gender participation and broader CSO participation. The Zambian partners discussed through NDA consultation with the Ministry of National Development Planning. Agreement was found on amongst other on a better CSO engagement. Both ENDS has supported these partners in terms of strategic advice, knowledge and finances. WATER: EXTRA, BGD: Thanks to the advocacy efforts by the Youth Paani Committee, a Member of Parliament (representative from the Shibhsa River basin) raised the importance of TRM to ecologically restore the Shibhsa river at the National Parliament. This has contributed to action by the Bangladesh Water Development Board to dredge a part of the Shibsha River that faces serious waterlogging problems, as addressed by the Youth Paani Committee. Both ENDS was particularly keen on giving a stronger voice to youth in this project. Thanks to the dialogue between BE and a partner from Bangladesh, these Youth Paani Committees have been established. These youth committees are the first of their kind. EXTRA, BGD: Thanks to the outspoken advocacy efforts by the Paani Committees, the planning commission under the General Economic Division invited the members of Paani Committee to give their opinion about the Bangladesh Delta Plan (BDP 2100). (“This is an extraordinary achievement for the project which was not foreseen before the action”). BE’s support focused on L&A. Also, thanks to the ongoing dialogue between BE and the partner from Bangladesh, we have mutually built our capacity about the BDP2100 and identified L&A opportunities accordingly. PENSION FUNDS EXTRA:(1)Both ENDS, together with Greenpeace and Fossielvrij continued lobbying with ABP on fossil fuel divestment and published two reports, based on experiences of partners, this year based on research, pointing out that ABP’s investments in fossil fuel increased. The research received positive media attention, the critics of Both ENDS and partners were incorporated into their stories many times this year. As a result ABP will introduce an advice round on coal, oil and gas investments as part of their stakeholder engagement in 2020. PENSION FUNDS: EXTRA:(1)Both ENDS is making inroads into new pension fund sector places for influencing. Both ENDS pitched and facilitated the World Pension Summit panel on "Climate Change Friendly Investment Solutions" in which 80 pension funds and asset managers from around the world attended. There we launched five criteria that help investors to go green. EXTRA:1 The accountability mechanism of AfDB (IRM) was set to start a review in April 2019, and needed a new director as from June 2019. Through networking and capacity building, Both ENDS partner from Senegal has been heavily engaged with both pushing the mechanism to hire a consultant and include face-to-face consultations with civil society, pushing the AfDB to hire a new director timely. Additionally, with lobby and advocacy support of Both ENDS, the partner has raised awareness with both African as well as international CSOs on this process. ) ECA-TAX EXTRA:1 proposal: The functioning of the Dutch ECA, especially on its lack of a coherent climate change policy, has been discussed during multiple debates in the Lower House of Dutch parliament. In the Finance Commission as well as in the Foreign Trade and Development Cooperating Commission. This has resulted in political pressure to consider restrictions on the export credit policies of the Netherlands to ensure consistency with the Paris Agreement. Both ENDS, in accordance with positions of its partners from Mozambique, addressed the issue of export credits for fossil fuel projects with multiple parliamentarians. EXTRA: (1)Both ENDS, together with other members of ECA-watch, also from LLMICs, advocated to the European Commission (EC) to improve the annual reporting checklist. The EC proposed a revised checklist, including questions to the Member States to elaborate what measures have been taken in order to apply the OECD Recommendations on social and environmental due diligence. This revised checklist is currently up for approval by the European Council. EXTRA:1 proposal: Information exchange between FMO and a partner from Bangladesh, facilitated by BE, about the threats to journalists and activists around the Summit Group in Bangladesh has made FMO more aware and obliged to take follow up action in their engagement with their clients.
1. 1 proposal developed and discussed on large scale infrastructural developments in Manila Bay in the Philippines and Jakarta Bay in Indonesia (amongst others on the importance of gender impact assessments in water masterplanning) by local CSOs and FGG towards their governments and companies executing the projects, aiming for the integration of aspirations of local groups in the masterplans, hereby respecting human (and especially women’s) rights and advancing environmental justice. It is expected that these proposals will be discussed by Dutch policy makers and private actors involved in these developments. Both ENDS will pro-actively collaborate with the CSOs involved. 2.ECA: ADSB is drafting a communication protocol with CSOs to contribute to participatory decision making processes, in the sense that the CSOs are properly informed, consulted and compensated in projects in which ADSB invests. Both ENDS will take an active role in drafting the protocol and bring together a group of CSOs. The protocol will be discussed with the social and environmental advisors of ADSB and its director where needed. 4. IFI: 1 proposal for improvement of decision making on investments at the International Finance Institution (IFI) AIIB will be discussed by the Dutch representative in the AIIB, together with the wider Euro constituency of which the Dutch are part. It is expected they will discuss the due diligence around at least 1 investment decision in the Board of the AIIB, based on information requested by BE. 5. IFI: 1 proposal discussed for improvement on the Dutch positon on gas at the World Bank: Through lobby of Both ENDS’ network of CSOs and partner organisations, the Dutch government takes the position not to invest in gas projects and defends this position in World Bank/IFC discussions on climate and energy. 6. IFI: 1 proposal for improvement of FMO disclosure policy: Both ENDS and partners' proposals of improving the disclosure policy of FMO leads to an opening with FMO to internally discuss and improve its policy and practice. 7.1 proposal for improvement of the ABP investment policies. Both ENDS shares the outcomes of a critical analysis of the coal oil and gas investments of ABP and informs and gives recommendations for improvement to civil society and policy makers. This leads to discussion with several (Dutch) policy makers and ABP. 8. The Zambian National Designated Authority (NDA) addresses amongst others gender inclusiveness, GCF project proposal design and the role of CSOs in climate finance readiness support. This is the result of continuous dialogues with NDA and Zambian CSOs. Both ENDS supports financially and provides networking opportunities for the Zambian CSOs through the international CSO group. 9. Both ENDS and Zambian CSOs jointly strategize, exchange information on national and international processes in order to mutually strengthen each other’s capacities to improve lobby and advocacy for improvement of National Green Climate Fund related policies. It is expected that 1 proposal for improvement of National Green Climate Fund related policies will be discussed by Zambian policy makers, local CSOs and women groups. Topics will be their participation in the decision-making process, human and women's rights and transparency or a GCF project in Zambia.
1. Manila Bay: one partner of Both ENDS together with a coalition of 32 environment and climate justice organizations defined green recovery in a Planetary Emergency Initiative manifesto (developed and launched from the ground-up) . The Planetary Emergency Declaration is launched during the Global Climate Strike campaign in September 2020. The Office of the President and Department of Environment and Natural Resources expressed an intention to declare a Climate Emergency in public statements released in September and October 2020. The government’s pronouncements of pursuing a Green Recovery plan provides an opportunity for civil society to shape what a just transition should look like, and how these could be supported through policies and government funding. Moreover, it provides a point of leverage for holding the State accountable. Both ENDS contributed by providing input, joint strategizing, advocating towards Dutch and international stakeholders, and sharing knowledge.
In an online capacity development session on Jakarta Bay, led by Deltares, Both ENDS actively took part and presented several proposals on the social aspects of water management. Deltares organised this session for Indonesian government staff from various Ministries (Ministry of Public Works, Bappenas, Envt. and Forestry, Marine and Fisheries and Province of Jakarta (DKI)). Also the Delegated Representative from the Netherlands Government was present. Both ENDS discussed its presentation with 2 partner organizations from LLMICs prior to the online event and included suggestions from their side. (2)
2. This is not achieved (0). During multiple meetings with Atradius Dutch State Business (ADSB) and Both ENDS, for example during the complaint concerning the dredging project in Makassar Indonesia, has advocated for a communication protocol with CSOs to be developed. Although ADSB has committed itself to always do a field visit in category A projects (large social and environmental risks) as well as to respond to every message they receive from CSOs, they are so far unwilling to draft a formal communication protocol. Both ENDS will continue to raise the importance of such a protocol.
3. Both ENDS collaborated with partners from LLMICs to actively formulate proposals for the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) review of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), leading to improved language on gender in the first draft of the new ESF. two of Both ENDS' partners and Both ENDS submitted written comments to this first draft. (1)
4. Through input and proposals of Both ENDS together with partners or in consultation with partners from LLMICs, divestment was discussed during consultations with FMO, AIIB and EIB. The latter concerned the Climate Action Plan, where the focus was on removing loopholes in the language on gas. Both ENDS discussed their position on gas with FMO and EIB, not with the World Bank. (2)
5. Both ENDS worked together with IAP, SOMO and Oxfam Novib to publish a report with recommendations on FMOs disclosure practice (1), and engaged with FMO on this report, which opened up a discussion with FMO on disclosure. FMO committed to develop a roadmap to improve their disclosure policy.
Both ENDS also filed several questions on ex-ante questions and opened several dialogues on specific investments (with partners), thereby asking FMO to disclose more information.
6. Both ENDS and Profundo released research and recommendations in May 2020 drawing public awareness to the lost value in the equity portfolios of pension funds ABP and Zorg en Welzijn due to fossil fuel companies vis-à-vis the rest of the portfolio. Several media outlets (and exclusive by Financieel Dagblad FD) paid extensive attention to this research and Both ENDS and partners supported spreading via social media. (1)
In November 2020, Both ENDS facilitated a meeting with ABP/APG and Carbon Tracker think tank to discuss the rapid market development in 2020 showing the financial risks of fossil fuel investments and the energy transition, reflecting worries of partners who are working on fossil fuel related investment projects. (1)
7+8. Both ENDS has supported 3 CSOs in their continued engagements with the Zambian National Designated Authority (NDA). During the course of the reporting time, the head of the NDA has changed, which has meant a setback in the engagement. However, the Zambian CSOs have been able to host two further meetings with the new NDA in the reporting period, while also engaging more women’s rights organizations into these discussions. As a more diverse and organized CSO group, the following proposals were discussed and/or agreed upon with the NDA: on how CSOs should be consulted in Readiness Support and policy formulation, on which agreements with the NDA were made and a clearer role of Gender and Gender Inclusiveness in climate finance decision-making in Zambia . Furthermore, a proposal from the CSOs was also agreed on Community consultation and inclusiveness, which should be prioritized in project design, implementation and evaluation. (1)
EXTRA: a partner in Malawi, together with Both ENDS, developed a proposal regarding the impacts (especially on gender-based violence) of a MIGA and FMO funded project, which was put on the agenda of these investors and the Malawi Human Rights Commission during several meetings in 2020 with these actors, the partner and Both ENDS, where the impacts and recommendations were discussed. (3)
EXTRA: 1 group of African CSOs, together with Both ENDS, developed a proposal to address issues of retaliation to the AfDB. Retaliation in AfDB funded projects and related advocacy (in the specific case of Zimbabwe), was put on the agenda of the AfDB after joint advocacy of the CSOs through the Coalition for Rights in Development (through meetings and other advocacy initiatives). (1)
EXTRA. In several sessions, webinars and evaluations with the GCF secretariat and Independent Units, Both ENDS was able to present our small grants publication (2019) and our paper of 2018, where we have proposed ways for CSO engagement at national level, and the alternative way of creating local access (via small grants funds). Parts of these sessions, webinars and evaluations have been captured in the evaluations of the GCF Independent Evaluation Unit (specifically on country ownership). (2)
EXTRA: Proposal developed: The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100) was translated by a CSO and distributed among the water committees, which has created mass awareness about the BDP2100 among local CSOs and people. The CSO, with support of Both ENDS, developed a proposal for improvement, based upon local CSOs’ and people’s concerns and feedback. Both ENDS and the CSO will submit the final version to the Government of Bangladesh. This submission was delayed due to covid-19 circumstances. Both ENDS collaborated with this CSO at strategic level and financially (1)
EXTRA. Both ENDS and one partner put the Mozambique LNG project on the agenda of Dutch policymakers involved with ADSB and AfDB, as well as Dutch parliamentarians. Questions were raised in parliament and policymakers claim to have considered the concerns of communities raised in multiple letters sent by Both ENDS' partner and Both ENDS in their decision making in relation to the LNG project. Both ENDS’ role focused among others on information sharing with policymakers and parliamentarians, joint strategizing, facilitating contacts and supporting financially. (1)
Outcome E: Policies Changed
These include improved financial regulation by governments and improved financial policies in corporations; improved tax regimes and corporate tax practices; and effective accountability, transparency, safeguards and gender aware policies in public financial institutions.
3.E.a
# measures taken by national, regional and international government bodies to ensure financial, tax and spending policies advance socially just and sustainable development in LLMICs.
All baselines are set at 0
The NCICD plan has been updated with four priority areas (named 'accelleration strategies'). Three of the four topics - drinking water, land subsidence and sanitation/wastewater - are recommendations made in the 'Social Justice at Bay' report. Both ENDS lobbied Dutch policy makers and partners lobbied Indonesian policy makers on these topics.
1. One fair multi-annual plan for 100 billion in climate finance will be developed, by the Dutch government (via EU) with attention to adaptation, gender and local access. 2. FMO publishes new policy on climate and responsible divestment after CSO input FMO ensures implementation of, and continiously improves, the in 2017 published policies on land governance, human rights and gender with continious stakeholder engagement
2. (0) While we expected a new position statement on climate as part of the FMO sustainability policy in 2018 this will be postponed to 2019. However, several meetings between Both ENDS and FMO have contributed to the fact that climate remains a priority for FMO. FMO has opened up the development of their methodology on how to align their policies and practices with the Paris agreement, which will be part of their climate position statement, for public consultation to which Both ENDS (together with Milieudefensie) has provided comments. EXTRA: Both ENDS, together with SOMO, CounterBalance and BankWatch, has actively contributed to the advocacy around the consultation process and the establishment of the revised complaint mechanism of the EIB, including through meetings with the Dutch ministry and the Dutch Director in the EIB. As a result the final vote on the mechanism was postponed twice which allowed for better consultation and input from the Board. In the end the draft was improved significantly, especially with regard to the oversight role of the Board and the role of the EU Ombudsman. We received positive feedback from the staff of the Complaint Mechanism (CM) of the EIB. According to them our advocacy work made a big difference.
2 policies improved: 1. Improved policies of GCF on accountability, transparency and safeguards, gender (by contributing to CSO-wide inputs). 2. Improved climate finance policy of the Netherlands (spent on communities in LLMICs to adapt to consequences of climate change).
1. The EU format for annual reporting of the EU ECAs to the European Commission contains the mandatory reference to the External Action Principals for foreign action of the EU, in order to analyse if the projects EU ECAs support are contibuting to democratisation, human rights and combating climate change in LLMICs.
1. ECA: The European Commission (EC) will disclose the mandatory report of the Dutch export credit facility to the Dutch parliament, in order for parliament to analyse if the projects are contributing to democratisation, human rights and combating climate change in LLMICs. The disclosure of the EC will be a result of BE’s lobby and further follow up with CEE Bankwatch Brussels on more transparent European reporting. 2. ECA: ADSB’s support to new oil and gas infrastructure activities is included in the information disclosure policy of ADSB. This is the result of Both ENDS’ report on ADSB’s support for oil and gas and Both ENDS’ lobbying efforts towards the Dutch parliament.
1. Both ENDS, together with three partners, advocated the European Commission (EC) to finalize and share the reports of 2017 and 2018. Due to some EU countries taking a very long time to fill in the reporting template, these reports were only published in August 2020. Both ENDS and the other NGOs analyzed the reports and conclude that the EC, again, fails to make a proper assessment whether the ECA activities are in line with the EU law on external action. Following this assessment, Both ENDS will advocate in 2021 to disclose the mandatory report of the Dutch export credit facility to the Dutch parliament, in order for parliament to analyse if the projects are contributing to democratisation, human rights and combating climate change in LLMICs. (0)
2. Following continued advocacy by Both ENDS and Milieudefensie towards ADSB and the Dutch parliament, ADSB has committed to being transparent about its support for fossil fuel related transactions. It has developed a method to map fossil transactions in the various value chains (coal, oil and gas). This is a tool to analyze ADSB’s portfolio and provide insight into which chains are supported and where in the chain. The results will be published in 2021. (1)
3.E.b
# policies improved or introduced by public financial institutions and private actors on accountability, transparency and safeguards, and investment policies adopted that advance socially just and sustainable development in LLMICs.
All baselines are set at 0
1. In November 2016, Both ENDS, together with SOMO, has provided extensive input in the consultation around FMOs new sustainability policy. Apart from written input we have participated in various face to face consultations focused on human rights and land. After continuous advocacy efforts of Both ENDS, SOMO and Oxfam Novib FMO now started an 'ex-ante' pilot in 2016 in which they improved disclosure about its projects. Both ENDS is participating in this 'pilot' and will review the new ex-ante policy together with FMO in 2017. `- 1 After the consultation FMO has implemented some improvements in its land and human rights policy. They also announced continuous dialogue and improvement on these issues with input from CSOs.
-1 policy improved: FMO has published its new sustainability policy at the end of 2017 after extensive public stakeholder consultation and side meetings with Both ENDS, together with SOMO and Oxfam Novib. The experience with the Agua Zarca project and the strong reactions and engagement with this project (by Both ENDS but also together with national and local partners, and the Dutch government) were one of the main reasons for this policy change. The new policy includes greater emphasis on human rights and gender (including human rights defenders and FPIC) and some strong commitments for implementation (human rights risk assesments; HRDs protocol among others); - 1 policy improved by FMO in which their ex-ante disclosure system is introduced and expanded to all its projects, which will provide possibilities for local CSOs to raise their voice and give input on FMO's projects in an early stage. Both ENDS and SOMO lobbied for this throughout the year.
-FMO ensures implementation of, and continuously improves, the in 2017 published policies on land governance, human rights and gender with continuous stakeholder engagement.
(0) See Outcome area 3.F.a: FMO's practise is improved as a result of intensive conversations with Both ENDS and others (including human rights organisations) and specific input to the languague of the human rights defenders (HRD) protocol.
2 policies improved: 1. Reporting standards ECAs EU members improved (EU ombudsman proces). 2. FMO improves its disclosure policy and human rights policy.
3 Policies improved: through joint advocacy of Both ENDS and local partners, based on concrete local cases (on the harmful effects of investments in Senegal and LLMICs in Asia), the FMO human rights defender regulations, AIIB PPM (project affected peoples mechanism), EIB energy lending criteria, and World Bank Guidance notes which relate to sustainability and human rights of IFIs and FMO are strengthened. We expect three of these four improvements materialised by the end of 2019.
1. 1 policy improved: Extensive advocacy work by BE and partners (BankWatch and Counterbalance, with members also from LLMICs) resulted in an ambitious energy lending policy at EIB that excludes fossil fuels (including gas) from the portfolio of the EIB by the end of 2020. Dialogue between Both ENDS and the Dutch Board member in the EIB (in the context of our structural Tuesday Group dialogue with the ministry of foreign affairs and the Ministry of Finance, and in a separate bilateral talk at the Finance Ministry) has led to a strong position of the Dutch in the discussion around the new Energy Lending Policy of the EIB. KLIMAAT (1) EXTRA: During the board meeting 23 in July 2019, a policy on the GCF governance (Decision Making in the Absence of a Consensus) was accepted. This decision has been proposed and widely supported by GCF CSOs over a number of years, because it will create more opportunities to make better decisions on items very important to civil society, including on gender and local access. Both ENDS cooperated with the CSOs from LLMICs in terms of strategic and financial support.
1. IFI: 1 policy improved: Based on input and lobbying efforts from Both ENDS, the Dutch representative in the International Finance Institution (IFI) AIIB, pushes for strengthening of timebound disclosure requirements in the AIIB Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) review. 2. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) board adopts a new gender policy with improved text on at least specific definitions, time paths and a strong role for human and women’s rights. Both ENDS as part of the international group of CSO observers will play an active role in the advocacy towards the GCF Board and the secretariat to improve this policy, during and in-between board meetings. 3. The GCF adopts an improved policy on either one of these topics: local access and accreditation, the Observer-related policies, accountability and/or transparency. Both ENDS (possibly as an alternate active observer) and partner CSOs will actively advocate for this towards the GCF board and the GCF Secretariat (including relevant specialist) during and in-between board meetings
1. Both ENDS and partners’ participation in ESF review of the AIIB, so far led to stronger language on gender (language has been introduced in the policy to prevent and/or address gender-based violence), and some progress has been made in language in the 2nd draft on time-bound disclosure. (information received from the European ED and confidential) (1)
2. Already mentioned at agenda set. (0)
3. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, and the impact this had on the board meetings, the topics we would have liked to address and changed have not been tabled at all. Due to the time constraints the board meetings mainly focused on the approval of project proposals and accreditations. However, Both ENDS – as part of the CSO Group, was able to temporarily stop an accreditation of a Japanese bank with a large coal portfolio as part of our advocacy. (0)
EXTRA: after advocacy of Both ENDS, SOMO and partners on FMO’s policy, they developed a climate statement,(an official and formal policy) which is mostly directed at divestment (one of the recommendations FGG and partners put forward). The policy statement is not yet ideal and will be part of our work in the future.(1)
EXTRA: after recommendations of Both ENDS and partners, INVEST International (a Dutch public fund to promote foreign investments) now includes specific reference to climate neutral investments. Although more improvements can be made, this explicit commitment provides opportunities for climate-related advocacy in the future (1)
EXTRA: ABP announced its investment policy for 2025 in January 2020, in which the decision was made by ABP to set exclusion criteria on coal and tar sand companies. This was influenced by the past years’ advocacy and recommendations work of Both ENDS and partners. (1)
Outcome F: Practice Changed
There is successful and sustainable implementation of: financial regulation by governments and financial policies in corporations; tax regimes and corporate tax practices; and accountability, transparency, safeguards and gender aware policies in public financial institutions.
3.F.a
# mechanisms for improved financial, tax and spending policies implemented and enforced by national, regional and international government bodies.
All baselines are set at 0
Extra: (1) After intensive conversations with Both ENDS and others (including human rights organisations) and specific input to the languague of the human rights defenders (HRD) protocol, FMO is working on improving its practices on risk assesments, FPIC and Broad Community Support, context analysis and HRDs. This includes involving CSOs and affected communities in the countries in an earlier stage in their investment decision, using more external sources for their assesments and including specific screening on the situation around civic space and HRDs in a country. Outreach and communication between BE and the others and FMO has improved, which allows us to share information with FMO and with our partners in an early stage of project planning.
concrete step taken by a public financial institution: FMO adjusts a project to better meet community needs.
Functioning of the Dutch ECA, including the need for improving its CSR policies, is discussed annually during the meeting of the Finance Commission in the Lower House of Dutch parliament, based on the perspectives of CSOs.
ECA: 2 Brazilian CSOs work together with 1 private actor on preservation and restoration of ecosystems and social and economic well-being in relation to the operations of this private actor. BE will organize mediation meetings together with the CSOs and takes the lead in this process. The expected/desired result of this process is the establishment of an atmosphere of respect and trust between local communities and the private actor (Van Oord) for joint cooperation on preservation and restoration of local livelihoods.
1. On 5 June 2020, the Brazilian NCP published its final assessment. Due to the corona pandemic it was not possible to hold the face to face mediation meetings. Both ENDS kept in touch regularly with the private actor and the 2 Brazilian CSOs Both ENDS has been partnering with to stimulate collaboration. It was achieved that the anchor area of the harbor was moved outside the fishing areas, and the private actor discusses with the harbor authority options for removing/altering a bridge that obstructs the natural flow of a crucial river. (1) Both ENDS and the aforementioned two CSO partners raised both points during the previous mediation session
3.F.b
# concrete steps taken by public financial institutions and private actors to actively identify, prevent and mitigate adverse social, gender and environmental impacts of their investments, and concrete steps taken that advance socially just and sustainable development in LLMICs.
All baselines are set at 0
After strong international and national advocacy efforts towards the bank of a group of CSO's, FMO announced in May 2016 that it will permanently withdraw from the Agua Zarca project in Honduras. BE played a large role in these advocacy efforts by convening meetings, both with Dutch CSOs as well as with Honduran groups, including representatives of Copinh, at FMO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the Dutch Embassy. From June 2016 until the present, FMO took steps to secure that their exit from the project happens in a responsible way and has a positive influence on the communities surrounding the project. Both ENDS is very actively involved in the process and engages with FMO and the Dutch ministry to provide input into this exit process.
FMO withdrew from the Agua Zarca project in Honduras, following the decision made in 2016. BE played a large role in these advocacy efforts by convening meetings, both with Dutch CSOs as well as with Honduran groups, including representatives of a local CSO at FMO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the Dutch Embassy.
1. FMO adjusts a project to better meet community needs 2. Improved practices around the decarbonisation of the investment portfolio of Dutch pension funds, including the divestment of coal oil and gas companies
1. (1) Several meetings and conversations between BE, FMO and 2 CSOs from Senegal contributed to FMO encouraging its client to improve some technical designs around the Sendou coal-fired power plant to have less negative environmental impact and to improve the community outreach of the company. FMO is also monitoring the compensation process and uses inputs from BE and 1 CSO to use its leverage. Extra: (1) Outreach and communication agreements between BE, SOMO, other human rights NGO's and FMO has improved, which allows us to share information with FMO and with our partners in an early stage of project planning. 2 (1): ABP announces more investments in renewable energy and removes the investment in coal fired power plants from its infrastructure portfolio. Both ENDS put issue on the agenda through reports, social media outreach and media attention showing the impact at local level. This new practice of ABP contributes to a better living environment for especially communities in the South.
1 concrete step taken by a public financial institution: 1. FMO adjusts a project to better meet community needs.
1. ADSB demands of the exporter that during the consultation with local stakeholders the role of ADSB is clarified to make sure that local communities in LLMICs know of the involvement of ADSB and how to make their concerns known. ADSB takes up his responsibility regarding projects in Africa, Asia and Latin-America. 2. ADSB shows in its transaction overview which projects are contributing to new oil and gas infrastructure. 3. 2 Brazilian CSOs work together with 1 private actor on preservation and restoration of ecosystems and social and economic well-being in relation to the operations of this private actor. 4. 1.FMO takes two concrete steps to implement its ´system for the protection of HRDs´ and ´human rights risk assesments´ with input from BE and partners from LLMICs. 5. The advices from 2 accountability mechanisms of the EIB, FMO, AIIB, inspection panel/cao (compliance advisor ombudsman of the WB) result in action plans to repare and improve (harmful) impacts of infrastructure projects in LLMICs.
ECA-TAX 1. not achieved yet 2.1 ADSB developed a method on how it assesses if a project is ‘green’ or not. In 2020, they will report back over 2019. It is still unclear what the method looks like and if this means if ADSB will also provide an overview which projects are contributing to oil and gas and which not. Both ENDS has lobbied for this kind of reporting with ADSB. Although we need to wait for the first results, the method is developed and ready to be used. 3. (1) Both ENDS collaborated with 3 Brazilian in a private mediation procedure with a Dutch dredging company to explore the feasibility of growing coral reef and improve the natural conditions in fish-breeding / spawning grounds in and around the port of Suape, Pernambuco. EXTRA: (1) As a result of capacities increased and access to networks, members of a partner in Mozambique managed to stop the gas project company to start the resettlement activities before grievance where resolved with the companies' grievance mechanism. Both ENDS supported financially and strategically. EXTRA: (1) As a result of increased capacities of a partner from Mozambique and its members, conditions of resettlement and implementation of resettlement processes were a better fit to the needs of the communities [such as language, transportation to sea, type of assistance for agriculture]. Both ENDS supported financially and strategically. IFIs: 1.FMO consults CSOs more often on possible threats related to investments:(1) In DRC around the Feronia project FMO has used its HRD protocol to react to current threats to HRDs. Both ENDS has provided information and contacts to FMO to inform them about the situation and make sure they speak to the right people (also in cooperation with Milieudefensie) 2.(1)* After push back from the a partner from Panama and Both ENDS (together with SOMO) the monitoring mandate of the ICM in the Barro Blanco project was not closed. With the result that ICM has committed to work on a stronger monitoring report, improve communication with the complainants and also advise FMO to do the same. The Panel of the ICM is planning a visit to the communities to bring this into practice in early 2020. After extensive advocacy efforts of Both ENDS and partners from LLMICs FMO has started to implement its Protocol for Human Rights Defenders. They increasingly reach out to Both ENDS and partners (Human Rights Watch, Frontline Defenders) and use new and additional tools for information about the situation of HRDs in countries and context analyses. FMO now considers these risks in an earlier stage of their investment decision and can theoretically avoid more harmful projects.
IFI: 2 concrete steps taken: after long engagement in advocacy of FGG, FMO discloses its human rights procedure followed in 2 cases and Both ENDS & its partner provide 2 proposals on what can be improved in the implementation of this procedure (specifically on Free Prior and Informed Consent and Broad community support and the protection of human rights defenders)
We didn’t achieve this, potentially due to less capacity, or unwillingness of FMO.
We did put the topic of human rights policy and procedure on the agenda of various engagements with FMO, as well as in communication on specific investments of FMO. FMO disclosed their procedures in specific cases to a superficial extent. (0)
FMO postponed an investment in Honduras after CSOs in Honduras and Both ENDS have put these impacts of these investments in the country on the agenda of FMO and urged them to change their investment. This result can also been seen in the light of previous advocacy work resulting in changes at FMO. The investment plans in Honduras are, however, still on the agenda and require further work (1)
Outcome C: Alternatives Developed
A range of alternative, people-driven, inclusive and sustainable approaches to the current financial and tax regime have been developed and advanced by civil society actors.
3.C
# alternative proposals to financial and tax and spending policies developed, piloted, and promoted with CSOs in LLMICs.
All baselines are set at 0
1. Alternative developed: Within the Green Climate Fund, there is a huge lack of access for local communities, small-grants funds and so-called direct access entities. Together with southern partners as well as other like-minded CSOs from the North, we are developing alternative ways to increase this space to the GCF funding. In 2016, we have learned from experiences in the accreditation process of one of our partners, The Samdhana Institute. In 2017, a publication will be released and promoted with our partners in Indonesia and possibly in cooperation with other organisations. Our aim for achieving this outcome is September/October 2017. 2. Alternative strenghtened: Report published on lessons learned on Negotiated Approach to Integrated Water Management as alternative.
In 2017, the following was achieved in terms of developing an 1 alternative for the GCF: Both ENDS and local CSOs have provided inputs, suggested changes, and strived to publish a report on the possibilities for improvement for local access. Both ENDS and local CSOs have promoted the alternative of small grants funds. Both ENDS and local CSO are aiming to publish the report in 2018, focusing on the lessons learned from the past years and the ideas that are coming from our southern partners.
1 Alternative is developed on water quality control measures using Negotiated Approach as building block
"1. A Kenyan CSO has initiated the process for a Negotiated Approach to Inclusive Water Governance for the Athi River Watershed. In doing so, the CSO has conducted a first analysis of the needs and wishes of the CBOs and NGOs that form part of the Athi River Community Network. This project sets out to enhance capacities of CBOs and NGOs in the watershed to discuss problems concerning water management/governance with relevant (local/regional/national) policymakers, and to propose inclusive, gender-sensitive alternatives (to be discussed during the workshop in April). Both ENDS' contribution was to link the CSO to the Netherlands' embassy, and being a sparring partner in strategically applying lessons-learnt from a Negotiated Approach. 1. Conversations with Uttaran and field visits have resulted in a commitment of Both ENDS to support Uttaran's work on Tidal River Management (TRM) in the Southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. TRM is a negotiated approach and Uttaran exchanges knowledge with Both ENDS who is also experienced in negotiated approaches. During conversations with Dutch government officials, including the NL embassy to Bangladesh, Both ENDS and the local partner promoted TRM and provided insights in the interest of the Dutch government to support TRM.
1 alternative developed: *Develop improved alternative to direct acces process within GCF 1 alternative improved: *Argumentation strengthened on why and how to support a Negotiated Approach to Integrated Water Management as alternative to support.
At least 2 context-specific strategies for a Negotiated Approach-alternative in (sub-)river basins in Indonesia, Ghana, Kenya, and/or Bangladesh are developed by local CSOs including gender impact assessments, as a result of collaboration with Both ENDS in terms of knowledge exchange, joint strategy development and (content) support.
WATER: (1)Thanks to the continuous dialogue between a Kenyan partner (the lead organization of the network) and Both ENDS on gender in relation to water governance, the Athi River Community Network is making important progress in strengthening its strategy for a gender-responsive approach; sub-strategies have been identified and written down, and awareness of the differentiated gender impacts is becoming more common. (1)A partner from Bangladesh has started the conduct of a gender impact assessment, in which the gender differentiated impacts of waterlogging are carefully being mapped. The conventional approach of dealing with the tidal rivers involves top-down technical and managerial solutions. Together with communities, the partner from Bangladesh is advocating for a nature-based and inclusive approach to the management of tidal rivers. Uttaran and Paani Committees have already developed very clear ideas on how this could be implemented, which are being discussed with relevant government authorities. Thanks to the continuous dialogue between Both ENDS and Uttaran on gender and youth, ‘gender’ has become a strategic priority theme in the Youth Water (Pani) Committees by involving at least 40% women, as the younger generation is less constrained by the traditional patriarchal norms and values (1)Manila Bay: A community-based alternative for the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Masterplan has been started to provide insights from communities on what type of developments and interventions they would welcome in their direct environment without threats to livelihood, housing and ecosystems. BothENDS has strategized together with its local partner, BE also linked the work with international and Dutch policy sectors.
1.WATER: 3 proposals: context-specific strategies for a Negotiated Approach-alternative in Athi River Basin in Kenya, Manila Bay in the Philippines and Tidal River Basin in Southwest coastal Bangladesh are developed by local CSOs including gender impact assessments, as a result of collaboration with Both ENDS in terms of knowledge exchange, joint strategy development and (content) support. 2. ECA: at least 2 proposals: 4 CSOs from Uganda, Togo, Kenia and Nigeria jointly develop proposals to support Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) in developing transition policies, for example related to energy. Both ENDS facilitates research on the activities of ECAs in these countries and support the development of the proposals.
1. Building on the work done in FGG-2 in Kenya and Bangladesh, alternative proposals (narratives) on inclusive water governance were developed by and with partners to provide a counter-narrative to the prevailing water projects financed by public funding: (i) with a community network on the negotiated approach, which laid down a strategy to sustainably manage the water resources of the Athi River Basin, bringing together local WaSH realities along with governance challenges at the basin level (this formed the basis for partners for a proposal to an institutional donor) (1); and (ii) with a CSO on Tidal River Management as an approach towards climate adaptation and as a community-led initiative to be incorporated in the Bangladesh Delta Plan (this formed the basis for partners to formulate proposals to donors). (1). In both countries, Both ENDS role was to provide input, share knowledge, think along, and strengthen the narrative.
2. Together with 5 CSOs from Uganda, Togo, Kenya and Nigeria and affected communities, Both ENDS and Milieudefensie mapped the impacts of ECA-supported energy related projects in the four African countries. They also studied how ECAs might support renewable energy projects in these African countries and 13 recommendations were made (1) to governments of publicly backed ECAs, African governments as well as regional African bodies. The role of Both ENDS and Milieudefensie was to provide data on ECA involvement in the African energy sector, provide funds to do research and facilitate the writing process.
Outcome B: Capacities Strengthened
Increased capacity of civil society actors to research, network and advocate on financial and tax policies.
3.B
# CSOs and communities in LLMICs that lobby and advocate for improved financial, tax and spending policies, based on increased skills, knowledge or network contacts.
All baselines are set at 0
Capacities are strengthened of: 1. 2 southern NGOs (Aksi! (Indonesia) in October, Micronesia Trust Fund (Micronesia) in December and AIDA (niet LLIMC) (based and covering all across Latin-America, but this partner was based in Chile) in October) on GCF decision-making processes on the national and international level. This led to a better capacity to lobby and and they worked alongside the GCF CSO group (including BE) to improve GCF policies and increase space for CSOs. 2. 3 KNTI, Solidaritas Perempuan and LBH Jakarta (three Save Jakarta Bay Coalition member groups) have been further strengthened by jointly writing with BE a letter to Dutch PM, Ministers and ADSB, leading to a meeting in Jakarta with said members and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure (mentioned under outcome indicator 3.A.A). KNTI and AMRTA have contributed to a report on NCICD set to be published in 2017. 3. 1 In June 2016 BE has co-organised and financed a strategy meeting with the CSO network in Senegal to institutionalise the network and strategise for the coming year. This network was set up by BE' partner, Lumiere Synergie Developpement, with support from BE in Januray 2016; BE staff traveled to Senegal to give a workshop for the CSO network about grievance mechanisms and development banks in general; Both ENDS staff attended several advocacy meetings in Senegal together with the CSO network with AfdB officials, embassy personnel, other Senegalese NGOs to increase space for CSO in Senegal around development banks.
1. 3 southern NGOs (Indonesia, Latin-America, 2CSOs in Zambia) on GCF decision-making processes on the national and international level. This led to a better capacity to lobby and and they worked alongside the GCF CSO group (including BE) to improve GCF policies and increase space for CSOs. This led to an action plan within Zambia, with a CSO round table organized in Feburary 2018 with local and national stakeholders to increase CSO participation in Zambia itself as a result. 2. 2 CSOs' capacities to raise their voice has been strengthened by having contributed to the 'Social Justice at Bay' report, which led amongst others to an extension of their network and access to Dutch policy makers and embassy. 7. 1 Strengthened: In 2017 Both ENDS continued to support the CSO network (consisting of 25 CSOs) in Senegal by providing financial support and technical advice. Several meetings with the network and World Bank and AfdB staff in Senegal have taken place. The network is also more involved with the Sendou case and the affected communities and helps them in strategising around follow up. First steps to expand the network to other countries in Africa have been taken 3. 0 With support of Both ENDS, 1 CSO in Senegal (not additional) continues to strengthen its work on IFIs in the region and to include other CSOs in this work. Several meetings have taken place between Senegalese CSOs and FMO and the AfdB in 2017. The local NGO could also engage directly with the Dutch govenment. Both ENDS' financial support helps the local CSO to improve and stabilize institutionaly. 3. 0 A CSO in Panama was supported by Both ENDS to increase its engagement with FMO, GENISA and the national government. We have also supported the local CSO (both financially as well as technicaly)in a national court case filed against them by the company GENISA in filing a petition at the Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) (0) Capacities of CSOs in Brazil were strengthened on their knowledge on human rights and business, on their knowledge on policy processes, on strategizing on defending the rights of local communities and with regards to network contacts and links with Dutch policy makers. Both ENDS supported in terms of strategizing and brainstorming, as well as financial support.
1. Increased skills, knowledge and networks of 3 southern CSOs capacities are strengthened by increased engagement on the GCF national or international decision-making processes. 2. Increased effective lobby of 1 CSO network is strengthened by formulating a strategy on national GCF-decision-making by Zambian partners. 3. 1 CSO from Mozambique is enabled to lobby effectively against the gas extraction through increased skills and knowledge about financial flows around the project. 4 2 CSO's in Guatemala, Nicaragua, gain capacity to lobby effectively against large-scale infrastructure development projects through a strong common lobby strategy and effective coordination 5. 4 CSO's in Indonesia gain capacity to lobby effectively for inclusion of SEA process within NCICD infrastructure development project through a strong common lobby strategy. 6. 1 African CSOs network has increaded knowledge on IFIs 7. 1 CSO has strengthened capacity to follow up on complaint against FMO 8. 1CSO has strengthened capacity to follow up on Barro Blanco complaint 9. 1CSO has strengthened capacity to follow up on the situation around the Agua Zarca project
1. (3) Skills, knowledge and networks of 3 southern CSOs were strengthened (1 in Nigeria, 1 in Indonesia, and 1 in Ghana) by supporting these organisations financially to GCF Board meetings throughout the year and work as part of the CSO observer group; during and in-between board meetings. This enabled 1 CSO to become more engaged as a GCF Gender Monitor and strengthen their GCF engagement nationally; and 1 CSO to gain more insights and networks to access GCF funding. Also, this CSO decided to become an official accredited observer and became actively involved in the national climate finance dialogue in Ghana. 2. (1) Increased effective lobby of Both ENDS, 1 Zambian partner (in cooperation with 2 Zambian CSOs and the Zambian CSO network): Both ENDS supported the Zambian partner financially in organising a round table on climate finance in Lusaka in February 2018, including civil society groups, government officials, aspiring accredited entities and local banks. This led to an increase in awareness and capacity of Zambian CSOs (including gender groups) to monitor and advocate towards Zambian institutions regarding climate finance and created structural space for Zambian CSOs to participate in the NDA processes, as the NDA now invites CSOs regularly. (In 2019, the partners and two other CSOs s will be part of the NDA process, and will further organize activities to build further capacity on climate finance and the GCF). 3. (1) 1 CSO from Mozambique has been enabled to lobby more effectively against the gas extraction through increased skills and knowledge about financial flows and international actors in the project, by continued exchange of information between Both ENDS and Mozambican CSOs and a workshop by Both ENDS on the involvement of international actors. The CSO has participated with increased capacity in dialogues with Mozambican government representatives and 1 international oil company. Also the CSO has been able to visit the communities to accompany the resettlement process with support of Both ENDS. 4. (1) 1 CSO in Nicaragua organized multisector participation activities based on the environment situation surrounding the canal abandonment in Nicaragua, such as support in representation of interest and visibility of local movements, and enlarging its network through organizing three activities reaching more than hundred people, among them fifty leaders and hundred-fifty participants from several social movements, NGOs, human rights defenders, media etc. One of the activities this CSO coordinated was a visit of the special UN-reporter about human right defenders in Nicaragua. This was at Universidad Centroamericana, and several human rights defenders got the stage to let their voices being heard. Furthermore, two researches on the canal abandonment are conducted, one about an involved trade business and one about the environmental impacts. The results are distributed within a network of eighty media channels and hundred-fifty (inter)national journalists which has led to more visibility for this case in the form of three press releases. Both ENDS supported financially and strategically. 5. (4) Due to unclarity of the progress surrounding NCICD and no significant openings on a SEA process, Save Jakarta Bay Coalition members (4 CSOs) have moved towards: a) advocacy training in 5 fisherfolk communities enabling them to adovcate their rights collectively; and b) the production of a pocket book on environmental law and advocacy guide documents to strengthen the knowledge of CSO's on laws designed to protect fishers and their right to a clean and healthy environment. Both ENDS has supported this financially en through strategic exchange. 6. (2) 2 CSO networks, existing in total of around 25 CSOs which are mostly from the African continent, increased knowledge of and lobby on IFIs in Africa, as a result of a workshop at the World Social Forum in Johannesburg, a strategy meeting in Abidjan, and a side event to the ACCA meeting in Nairobi. Both ENDS gave a presentation on IFIs at the workshop in Johannesburg and during the strategy meeting in Abidjan a Senegalese partner of BE gave a presentation on IFIs. 1 CSO network has increased access to staff and Board of the AfDB, as a result of activities co-organized by Both ENDS in Abidjan. 7. (1)With financial and strategy support from Both ENDS and 1 CSO from Senegal, the complainants in the Sendou case could meet with FMO and the Independent Complaints Mechanism several times. This resulted in better information sharing about the impacts of the projects and the failures in the action plan which allowed FMO to communicate this to their client. Due to the active enagement of the complainants the company has improved commununity outreach and has promised improvements in the design. 8. (0)With financial support and advice from Both ENDS, 1 CSO from Panama organised an 'asamblea', gathering with several communities around the Barro Blanco dam to strengthen the cooperation and increase awareness and support for the different processes they are in to demonstrate the shortcomings of the Barro Blanco dam (towards the banks, the UNDP and the IACHR). Both ENDS support also allowed a member of the CSO to travel to Washington to follow up on the complaint filed with the complaint mechanism of the UNDP, SECU, and the appeal at the Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). This visit, combined with continous joint monitoring (national and international) of these cases has speed up the processes and has led to an answer and action plan of the UNDP. 9. (1) Both ENDS has facilitated conversations between 1 CSO from Honduras and GAIPE (a group of international lawyers) and the Dutch government and parliament about the different national court cases in Honduras around Agua Zarca and the influence of the Dutch government to promote rule of law in Honduras. Contact between Both ENDS and the CSO has also been instrumental in linking the CSO from Honduras to other Dutch CSOs which strenghtens them in their capacity to follow up on the situation around the Agua Zarca project. 10. (2)2 Kenyan CSOs have increased knowledge on role of investments of IFIs in their region, and thus increased the number of avenues considered to get compensation for damages, get recognition for being indigenous, and also increased knowledge on which stakeholders are involved with projects to come. This is a result of a meeting where Both ENDS shared information on IFIs in the region, and ongoing communication between BE and the CSOs. 11. (1)1 local CSO in Indonesia has studied the impacts of sand mining by Boskalis, insured by ADSB, on coastal fishermen. Both ENDS contributed financially to this study. The CSO and Both ENDS together brought these to the attention of Boskalis, ADSB and the local and national Indonesian government through letters and meetings. Both ENDS and the CSO contributed to each other’s strategic lobby capacities by sharing knowledge on respectively the local and international policy fields.
Capacities are strengthened of: *5 southern NGOs on GCF decision-making processes *1 CSO network on NCICD 7: Strengthening and implementing 1 CSO network working on accountability of development banks in Senegal. *at least 5 members of CSO networks to lobby national/regional/international public and private investments in Africa and / or Indonesia.
1. 1 CSO is strengthened in terms of knowledge, capacity and network to build evidence to illustrate the need for and advocate for effective tax due dilligence in the supply chains of MNEs operating in LLMICs by developing a case study together with FGG. 2. At least 1 Mozambican CSO is familiar with international normative rules on CSR in relation to the gas developments in Northern Mozambique 3. They use this to advocate on improved conduct of gas companies towards their government. In which BE amongst others shares knowledge and facilitates exchange with other experts 4. 2 CSOs in LLMICs will advocate for improvements in new (potentially) insured projects by ADSB, based on improved capacities which result from evidence building, strategizing and information exchange with communities, in which Both ENDS supports the CSOs and exchanges information 5. 1 CSO in an LLMIC is strengthened in terms of knowledge and capacity and will file a complaint together with FGG at the new complaint mechanism of ADSB. 6. 4 CSOs (in a.o. Senegal, Kenya and LLMICs in Asia) that experience harmful effects of IFI/FMO infrastructure investments have knowledge of strategies to influence IFIs/FMO, through knowledge exchange and strategy development with Both ENDS, and will implement these in in their advocacy targeted at IFIs/FMO, in collaboration with and through support/advice of Both ENDS. 7. 2 CSOs in Africa and Asia (LLMICs) have increased their lobby and advocacy capacity through evidence building and knowledge exchange with (content/strategy) support of Both ENDS and will use this increased capacity to lobby with IFIs and/or FMO around 1 case in Africa and 1 case in Asia. 8. 2 CSOs in Panama and Senegal have increased their lobby and advocacy capacity to influence decisions around the developments in their area through knowledge exchange and strategizing with communities and Both ENDS around the Barro Blanco and Sendou projects of FMO. 9. 1 Group of African CSOs increased their knowledge and lobby and advocacy capacity to influence AfDB policies during the review of the safeguards and the gender strategy paper and support affected communities, through joint strategizing and knowledge exchange with Both ENDS. 10. 2 CSO networks (Asian NGO Forum on ADB-AIIB, African AfDB CSO network, and the international Coalition for Human Rights in Development) have built case evidence and access to Dutch and European EDs and/or have more connections to local grassroots groups through joint strategy development and knowledge exchange with Both ENDS. 11. Further development and increase of southern civil society capacity (skills, knowledge and networks) in international GCF decision-making process of at least 3 southern partners (LLMICs) either from the CSO partners already supported in FGG; or southern CSOs who are new to this process, by connecting them to the international CSO group working on the Green Climate Fund and inviting and introducing them to the GCF board meetings, to acquire more knowledge to either access the funds or becoming a more skilled CSO observer, either on the international or the national GCF decision-making level. This they will use to advocate for local access, gender sensitive policies and respect for human rights towards the GCF. 12. Implementation of the strategy created in 2018 by Zambian partners: 3 Zambian CSOs are strengthened to increase capacities, awareness of and outreach to civil society in Zambia (including women's groups and local communities) to lobby and advocate with the Green Climate Fund and Green Climate Fund projects in Zambia with the purpose to create an improved way of working with the Zambian National Designated Authority and other Zambian GCF stakeholders, including women's groups. This is done by organizing regular meetings between all stakeholders, as a follow-up to the round table on climate finance in 2018. Both ENDS supports these partners through a.o. links with contacts in our Green Climate Fund network and exchanges information with our partners. 13. The capacities of 1 CSO network in an African LLMIC are strengthened in terms of knowledge, strategy development and networking towards the GCF through support and advice in their activities by Both ENDS and knowledge exchange, resulting in increased advocacy skills to engage with the National Designated Authority and civil society actors in the country, and the possibility raise their voice in the national GCF decision-making process. 14. At least 2 CSOs in (sub-)river basins in Indonesia, Ghana, Kenya, and/or Bangladesh have strengthened their capacity to lobby and advocate and will use this in their policy influencing efforts towards relevant authorities for a Negotiated Approach to water governance, in which Both ENDS supports the CSOs through knowledge exchange and experience sharing. 15. 4 CSOs (a.o. in the Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh) effectively engage with other stakeholders to influence the decision-making processes through increased lobby and advocacy capacities in at least 2 specific cases of (large-scale) private sector water development project through the exchange of information and strategy building with Both ENDS.
ECA-TAX 1. was not achieved (1)Both ENDS supported an Indonesian partner to map an area of more than 200.000 ha of oilpalm plantations in the North Morowali area of Sulawesi. By field assessments of the production of palm oil from this region, and the financial revenues thereof, efforts are undertaken to establish the relation between the tax revenues due for that production in this region and the real tax revenues registered by the local authorities. Due to the October 2018 earthquake and tsunami in Palu, this work suffered from delays, but the partner is catching up on this now, and already formulated follow-up work as well concentrating on collaboration with and strengthening of local government in the region. 2. (3)Both ENDS shared knowledge about the involvement of public export credit agencies, (public) investors and private actors like Shell in the gas developments in Mozambique with 3 Mozambican CSOs in order for these CSOs to address their concerns to these international actors. Both ENDS also shared knowledge about the international normative rules on CSR in relation to the gas developments in Northern Mozambique with 1 Mozambican CSO. This CSO used this increased capacity in addressing its concerns to the Dutch ECA. Both ENDS provided input into the set-up of a Multi Stakeholder Platform for the region of Cabo Delgado, initiated by the Dutch Embassy, Both ENDS focused on input on how to involve local stakeholders. 3.(1) CSO from Mozambique wrote a letter to ADSB and attended a meeting with ADSB to use the ex-ante publication as an opportunity to share with ADSB its concerns about the social, environmental and political issues surrounding the LNG project in Cabo Delgado. Both ENDS explained the functioning, role and process of ADSB, shared relevant contacts, and helped in relating the local concerns to the policy level of ADSB. 4.(1) CSO from Indonesia, together with Both ENDS, filed a complaint on behalf of local fishermen representatives to the complaint mechanism of ADSB about the impacts caused by the project ADSB insured in Makassar in 2017. In order to file the complaint the partners' research and community outreach capacities where strengthened to, together with fishermen and women, study and document the impacts on communities. During field visits and a seminar fishing communities, Makassar Legal Aid, the partner and Both ENDS shared local experiences and an understanding of the complaint procedure of ADSB and formulated the core of the complaint. EXTRA: (13) A CSO from Mozambique strengthened the capacity of the Palma Platform (network of 12 grassroots organisations), the capacity of the communities and advocacy agents in the communities affected by the gas developments is increased. This increased capacity was used to document violations of rights and agreements in the resettlement and engage with companies, investors and government involved in public relations. The concerns from the CSO were taken onboard in the due diligence process of ADSB. In this process Both ENDS provided financial support and strategic support through amongst others, providing workshops assistance in writing letters and contacting e.g. these companies and investors. IFIs 1.(3 )CSOs in Nicaragua, El Salvador ), Uganda and Malawi increased knowledge and capacity to include IFIs in their strategy, through workshops on IFIs co- organized by Both ENDS, information shared by Both ENDS, and joint strategizing on how to engage IFIs. This has led to the 4 CSOs including researching, monitoring an engaging with IFIs in the projects they work on. 2 CSOs, from Madagascar) and Nepal increased access to information of FMO about specific projects in their countries financed by FMO, through Both ENDS’ monitoring of ex-ante disclosures and exchange of these data. The CSO from Madagascar sent questions to FMO on their investment and takes the information up in their campaign against hydro in Madagascar. 2 CSOs, from Uganda and Malawi, by financial and strategy support from Both ENDS, integrated IFI engagement in their monitoring of developments, assisting communities in reporting on concerns on impacts, specifically on women, and engaging with the financiers through conversations and letters, while advocating for respecting the rights of affecting communities. (0) CSO from Laos increased lobby and advocacy capacity to use evidence on the negative (gender and social) impacts of the NR 13 Laos project (road construction) in engagements with the World Bank. They were introduced by Both ENDS to lobby and advocacy directed to IFIs, made aware of the possible strategies. (1) A partner from Bangladesh and BE have been on field mission for the collection of field based evidence on IFC and AIIB financed energy infrastructure, a.o. a power-grid extension, a gas-fired power plant and an offshore LNG terminal. Data were in support of lobby and advocacy directed to IFC staff and FMO. BE partnered with the partner in meetings held with IFC management and FMO. 3. (1) With support from Both ENDS, a partner from Senegal has ensured continuous involvement and exchange between communities around the Sendou project and FMO. Together we have provided input on the draft monitoring report from the accountability mechanism, which resulted in a stronger report. (1) A partner from Senegal (with support from Both ENDS) has attended the AFDB annual meeting in May 2019 where advocacy meetings were organized with AFDB staff and the director of the IRM (the accountability mechanism of the AFDB) to speak about Sendou. This has led to a firm promise of the AFDB to follow up to the IRM report and take actions to protect the fisher women. (1) With financial support of Both ENDS, Both ENDS’ partner in Senegal has organized outreach and strategy sessions with affected communities around the TER project in Senegal to inform them about their rights and possible strategies towards IFIs. Together they have filed a complaint to the AFDB and AFD. (1) With support from Both ENDS the a partner in Panama has organized and mobilized the communities in the Comarca to make them aware of their rights and possibilities related to strategies towards infrastructure developments in the area. Support from Both ENDS and legal support from ACD (also a partner of Both ENDS) helps the partner to fight for the correct compensation and mitigation measures and prevent further damage through a national court case and a process at the Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). 4. 1 group of African CSOs (African coalition on AfDB) increased knowledge and advocacy capacity to influence AfDB, through an IFI-workshop organized by Both ENDS, a strategy meeting co-organized by Both ENDS and regular joint strategy conference calls. 5. (1)‘Forum on ADB’ together with BE- strategized with European CSOs in Oxford (UK) on Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank related issues of climate, energy, governance and accountability. This was applied in lobby and advocacy during the ESF (environmental social framework) review and the Luxembourg annual meeting. In the end, Forum on ADB was represented by its member from Bangladesh in the meeting with European Executive Directors. With BE’ support, and through the member from Bangladesh, ‘Forum on ADB’ established stronger connections with a local network of grassroots groups and journalists, monitoring AIIB and IFC energy infrastructure in Eastern Bangladesh (Cox Bazar, Chattogram). 4 1 CSO increased access to the Board of AfDB. Both ENDS and a partner from Senegal organized conversations with 6 Executive Directors of the AfDB in which members of the CSO network participated about the impacts of the AfDBs activities on women. This resulted in a greater awareness among the members of the CSO network on how to organize this kind of advocacy. (1) A CSO network increased connections with 12 grassroots groups from Latin-America through the organization of an IFI workshop for grassroots groups by Both ENDS and a partner from [Argentina] and through participation of grassroots organizations during the IAWG retreat. With these capacities, 1 grassroot organization raised their own funds for IFI work and organized an IFI workshop together with IAWG members in their country. (1) Both ENDS partner from Senegal has filed a new complaint to the mechanism of the AfdB, the IRM, about a railway project close to Dakar. The partner has supported the affected communities around the project. The complaint was found admissible at the end of 2019 and the IRM will start its investigation soon. Both ENDS supported this process financially. KLIMAAT 1.(4) In 2019, Both ENDS further developed and increased capacity of 4 civil society groups in the international GCF decision-making process of partners from Nigeria, Mongolia , Ghana, and Niger, by connecting them to the international CSO group working on the GCF and inviting and introducing them to the GCF board meetings, to acquire more knowledge to either access the funds or becoming a more skilled CSO observer. They have used their experience to advocate for local access, gender sensitive policies and respect for human rights towards the GCF; and the networks to take steps towards funding for the African Women’s Development Fund from the GCF. (3)The strategy created in 2018 by Zambian partners was implemented in 2019: 3 Zambian CSOs were strengthened to increase capacities, awareness of and outreach to civil society in Zambia (including a women’s group) to lobby and advocate towards the Green Climate Fund and GCF projects in Zambia with the purpose to create an improved way of working with the Zambian National Designated Authority and other Zambian GCF stakeholders, including women's groups. 4 meetings with the CSOs and the National Designated Authority were organized. One representative of a partner is now elected as CSO representative in the National Technical Committee on Climate Change that also takes decisions about the Green Climate Fund. Both ENDS has supported these partners through a.o. links with contacts in our Green Climate Fund network and exchanges information with our partners, as well as financially with the trainings. 3. (47) In Burkina Faso, Both ENDS has financially supported a civil society roundtable on climate finance and the Green Climate Fund, organized by a partner from Burkina, which was attended by over 50 CSOs and the relevant government departments, including the NDA. Following this, the CSO groups lead by the partner from Burkina Faso has formulated a strategy and action plan. Some parts of the action plan will be financially supported by Both ENDS in 2020. WATER 1. (1) The Athi River Community Network has strengthened itself as a network by joining forces (knowledge, capacity, experiences) for the restoration and protection of the Ondiri swamp, which is chosen as a critical case from which the network can learn, and if successful gain inspiration for the work in the river basin at large. The idea for Ondiri Swamp as a case study was proposed by an Indian Professor – who actively participated in a workshop by a partner from Kenya, thanks to a South-South exchange facilitated by Both ENDS – which was then embraced by the network. Besides the participation by members of the Kenyan partner from civil society, also government officials participated in the exchange of knowledge and actively participated in discussions with the members; this can be seen as an important first step of the trajectory of the Kenyan partner in dialogue with relevant authorities that bear responsibility for the protection of the Athi River Basin. (1)Through the direct engagement (workshops, trainings) between a grassroots NGO from Bangladesh, local Water (Pani) Committees (including youth committees and through gender-responsive approach) and Both ENDS, civil society in southwest Bangladesh has strengthened its position to effectively address their concerns and wishes as one voice to relevant policy makers. 2.(5) In Manila and Jakarta 5 CSO’s in core group and at least 7 community-based organisations - engage with local, national and Dutch policymakers, water consultants and academia to halt land reclamations in their respective Bay areas as well as promote community-based alternatives. Both ENDS supports this through knowledge exchange, establishing connections and dissemination of relevant findings in international fora. 1 Both ENDS organized two meetings with ABP/APG and Brazilian members of the International Network for Peoples Affected by Vale post-Brumadinho disaster. The network informed ABP/APG on the disastrous effects of their
1. ECA: 1 Mozambican CSO is enabled to monitor the impacts of the gas project in Cabo Delgado, together with an international network of CSOs. They will use this increased capacity to advocate towards a group of international export credit agencies (ECAs) and use their leverage for sustainable implementation of the gas project. Both ENDS facilitates dialogue between the ECAs involved and stimulates the development of local and national NGO strategies. 2. PENSION FUNDS: (2)At least two CSOs in east Africa have increased their lobby and advocacy capacity to influence decisions around the oil and gas developments in their area through knowledge exchange and strategizing with communities and Both ENDS. 3. ECA/Tax: 1 CSO is strengthened in terms of knowledge, capacity and networks to build evidence to illustrate the need for and advocate towards the government for effective tax due diligence in the supply chains of multinational enterprises operating in LLMICs by developing a case study together with Both ENDS and FGG partner organisations. 4. IFI: 4 CSOs in 5 countries (Senegal, Bangladesh, Laos, Honduras and Panama) have their capacities increased, through financial and/or strategic support of Both ENDS, to make their voice heard with International Finance Institutions (IFIs) (FMO, AfDB, WB, AIIB) on issues of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), consultation & compensation, climate & environment in infrastructure projects through evidence building of harms done, joint strategizing with communities and advocacy towards the IFIs and the Dutch government. 5. (2)IFI: at least 2 grassroots organizations in LLMICs have their capacity increased to advocate on the gendered impacts public financial flows have on their communities. Both ENDS contributes to the increased capacity of the grassroots organizations by providing training on IFIs, research on IFIs relevant for partners, and support in advocacy towards the IFIs. Through this increased capacity the grassroots organizations will be better able to reach IFI’s either directly or indirectly, for example through the mobilization of their communities, organizing campaigns and seeking attention from media. Possibly lobby will be targeted directly to IFI’s and government institutions responsible for IFI’s. 6. (1)IFI: 1 group of African CSOs increased capacity to advocate on AfDB’s national strategies by participation in national office events and national strategy papers, Both ENDS provides support to the group by organizing and attending meetings and joint strategizing on the topics important for the groups, with a special focus on gender, accountability and participation. 7. (2)IFI: 3 Southern NGOs (at least form Cambodia and Laos, others to be decided) are brought in contact with a Chinese counterpart for increased capacity to advocate on Chinese infrastructure investments through the linking of Both ENDS; and learn about the usefulness of Chinese investment rules for their strategizing around environmental and climate impacts, through a workshop organized by Both ENDS. 8. (2)Two CSOs in (sub-)river basins in Kenya and Bangladesh have further strengthened their capacity to lobby and advocate towards relevant authorities for a Negotiated Approach to water governance, in which Both ENDS supports the CSOs through knowledge exchange and experience sharing. 9. (1)Continuation of the development and increase of southern civil society capacity (skills, knowledge and networks) in international Green Climate Fund (GCF) decision-making processes of at least three southern partners in LLMICs, either from the CSO partners already supported in FGG; or southern CSOs who are new to this process, by Both ENDS’ efforts to connect them to the international CSO group working on the GCF and inviting and introducing them to the GCF board meetings, to acquire more knowledge to either access the funds or becoming a more skilled CSO observer, either on the international or the national GCF decision-making level. 10. (3) Zambian partners will pilot community involvement through training of community champions in regions relevant to GCF projects. These trainings will address how to engage relevant GCF stakeholders at local and provincial level. BE will support the organization of these training financially and strategically. 11. 1 CSO from Burkina Faso increases their engagement with the NDA (national designated authority) via CSO dialogues and support capacity development of CSOs in Burkina Faso on the Green Climate Fund. The activities will be based on outcomes of the roundtable in November 2019. Both ENDS will financially support this. 12. 2 CSOs in Indonesia and the Philippines (to be decided) have strengthened their capacity in terms of knowledge and advocacy strategies on land reclamation (including gender impact assessments), through exchanging knowledge on experiences during a workshop facilitated and co-organized by Both ENDS. The CSOs in Indonesia, the Philippines and the Netherlands will use these capacities in their advocacy activities in their own countries. 13.2 CSOs in Indonesia and the Philippines have strengthened their capacity in terms of knowledge and advocacy strategies on land reclamation (including gender impact assessments), through exchanging knowledge on experiences during a workshop facilitated and co-organized by Both ENDS. The CSOs in Indonesia, the Philippines and the Netherlands will use these capacities in their advocacy activities in their own countries.
1. ECA: 1 Mozambican CSO capacities are strengthened in terms of monitoring capacity, knowledge and information about policy processes, advocacy skills and network contacts with among others policymakers. Subsequently, the CSO was able to monitor the impacts of the gas project in Cabo Delgado, together with an international network of CSOs. They used this increased capacity to ensure communities are organized and supported by CSOs, to advocate towards the project owner, local government and a group of international export credit agencies (ECAs) to ensure affected communities concerns are heard and solved. Both ENDS’ role focused among others on information sharing, joint strategizing, facilitating contacts with public or private actors, conveying the CSO’s concerns to public or private actors, supporting financially
2. 3 CSOs in Nigeria , and 1 Brazilian CSO increased their advocacy capacities to engage in dialogues with Dutch investors (ABP and asset manager APG ; PFZW asset manager PGGM) during 2020 on issues relating to the mining disaster of Brumadinho Brazil (the company Vale) and oil and gas development (Shell in Nigeria). The Nigerian CSOs informed the investors regarding Shell operations in the Niger Delta – gas flaring, water and land contamination, community health related issues. In addition, Both ENDS collaborated with 1 Nigerian CSO to raise questions at Royal Dutch Shell Annual General Meeting, and another CSO in its engagement with the Dutch NCP. Both ENDS introduced partners to the institutions and policy-makers, prepared meetings together with the CSOs and strategized with them on next steps.
1 CSO in Uganda and Both ENDS worked on oil development and the planned EACOP pipeline in biodiverse areas in Uganda. Both ENDS collaborated with the partner on an Investor Briefing on environmental and social risks that was distributed to hundreds of investors in November 2020. The CSO in Uganda led the research and a coalition of 25 Ugandan NGOs that jointly submitted a detailed policy recommendation to the Ugandan Ministry of Environment in September 2020 on off-grid solar energy. Besides collaboration on advocacy such as the Investor Briefing, Both ENDS’ role focused on among others information sharing, introducing the CSO to investors and joint strategizing.
3. 1 CSO in Indonesia developed a case-study in order to illustrate the need for and to advocate towards the government to introduce effective tax due diligence in the domestic part of the supply chain of palm oil production. Both ENDS provided input and helped building the strategy, and supported financially.
4. 4 CSOS have strengthened their capacity to get their voice heard within IFIs and FMO, where Both ENDS played a role in strategizing and exchanging knowledge, as well as connecting partners with financial institutions and assisting partners with their communication with institutions. 1 CSO in Senegal has been enabled to work on two complaints to the AFDB, organize the affected communities, and get public attention for the negative impacts of projects. 1 CSO, together with other CSOs in Honduras, has had the capacity to put problematic investments of FMO in Honduras on the agenda in the Netherlands and got FMO to postpone an investment. 2 CSOs in Panama have had limited ability to continue their work due to the pandemic, but succeeded in keeping communities organized on the impacts caused by investments of FMO and wrote a report on the dynamics of investments in Hydropower in Panama.
In 2019 Both ENDS facilitated contacts between 1 CSO in Bangladesh and IFC and FMO about investment in LNG terminals, that impacted fishery grounds of local communities. In 2020, the partner and Both ENDS wrote briefing notes about the project impacts and shared these with IFC and FMO. Both ENDS, together with the partner, contacted FMO and IFC in both cases (Bangladesh and Laos) and corresponded with management of both institutions. It did not materialize in a complaint and or mediation process.
In 2019 Laotian groups conducted field missions to a road extension, World Bank financed (High Risk Category A). A research has been conducted by a Chinese partner on investment in Laos in 2020.
5. 1 grassroots organization in Malawi increased its capacity to advocate on gendered impacts of a project financed by MIGA and FMO. They have been enabled to map the gendered impacts by organizing communities around gendered impacts, working with a gender specialists on gender based violence taking place, engaged with the Malawi Human Rights Commission and put these issues on the agenda of MIGA and FMO. Both ENDS’ role was to exchange knowledge with the partner, strategize together and connect partners with financial institutions and assist partners with their contact with the financial institutions.
Only 1 since this work was more difficult due to the pandemic.
6. 1 group of African CSOs increased capacity to address issues of retaliation to the AfDB. Due to the pandemic, the need to work on retaliation related to investment was urgent, so we focussed our efforts there. 1 CSO in South-Africa, 1 CSO in Uganda, 1 CSO in Zimbwabwe, 1 CSO in Senegal and 1 CSO in Tanzania and Both ENDS joined efforts through the Coalition for Rights in Development to strategize around retaliation in AfDB funded projects and related advocacy.
7. Both ENDS organised an online workshop (2 sessions) = on Chinese investments for 30 organisations of a network in South East Asia (including Cambodia). After the workshop, 1 CSO in Uganda, 1 CSO n Laos and the network started to cooperate with Chinese counterparts and at least two Asian groups (and one Ugandan group, separate) shared letters of concern to Chinese investors in their countries.
8. 7 CSOs in two watersheds of the Athi River Basin in Kenya have strengthened their capacity to lobby and advocate towards relevant authorities for inclusive water governance, whilst promoting agroecology towards government authorities, businesses and universities as a sustainable livelihood for women and youth (i.e. through meetings, and briefings).. Both ENDS supported in the institutionalisation of the network through support for a Project Advisory Committee, which received training from a Kenyan Organizational Development Consultant on resource mobilization and strategic planning.
CSOs in the Athi River Basin have built alliances with a wide variety of stakeholders ( government authorities, businesses and universities) for the conservation of the watershed.
Two youth water committees were established in the sub-river basins Kopotakko and Shibsha rivers in Southwest coastal Bangladesh. With support from 1 CSO and already, strongly established water committees in these two sub-river basins, the youth water committees developed and strengthened their capacity to lobby and advocate towards relevant authorities for climate-proof and inclusive governance of Southwest’s tidal river basins.
Throughout the process, Both ENDS and the CSO mutually developed each other’s capacity, particularly concerning the Bangladesh Delta Plan (BDP2100) and possibilities to collaborate with other actors from the Bangladeshi and Dutch water sector.
9. Both ENDS continued to support a representative of Climate Watch Thailand to the first board meeting of the year in March (through financial support and strategic collaboration), where she could function as alternate active observer for southerns civil society organisations. The rest of the planned board meetings were online. We have supported our partners in these meetings as much as possible, which evolved in increased knowledge about GCF procedures, a joint strategy and joint advocacy
10. Both ENDS collaborated with 3 Zambian CSOS in cooperation with the 1 NGO working on gender to host two capacity development workshops in two regions where the GCF currently has projects (in the Chonge and Siavonga district). In total 100 community members have participated, of which 70% women. In these trainings, 5 community champions have been identified who are now spearheading a sub-national learning network amongst communities where information sharing on climate finance and the GCF is facilitated. In this way, the participants are now better informed and equipped for their continued engagements with the relevant local authorities and decision-making. The model of community champions could be replicated in Zambia in other areas, or even among CSOs in other countries. Both ENDS has supported these trainings financially and strategically.
11. Both ENDS has supported the 1 CSO in Burkina Faso to further develop CSO capacities and networks around the Green Climate Fund in Burkina Faso. WEP has set up a CSO climate finance committee and trained committee members on the development, implementation and monitoring of GCF projects via Zoom, and produced a capacity building guide for local women’s groups – instead of the planned regional meeting which was not possible due to the COVID-19 crisis. This was used in meetings with GCF representatives and actors involved (amonst others during the GCF board meetings). Both ENDS has supported these activities financially and provided input on the strategy and guides where requested.
12 &13. (12 and 13 are the same) A CSO in Indonesia organized a Regional Coastal People’s Assembly with support of Both ENDS (i.e. support in terms of joint strategizing and financial contribution). The Assembly was organised to support the struggle of coastal communities on the impacts of land reclamation during three sessions which reached an average of 145 participants per session: (i) How small-scale fisheries meet the world's food needs: a reflection of the COVID-19 crisis, (ii) gender justice and human rights of the coastal people, and (iii) mega-infrastructure, investment and authoritarianism. The project provided SP with a strategic opportunity to document the small-scale fishery movements; to identify powerful groups, and to build alliances, the CSO used lessons learnt in advocacy and lobby activities to influence the public discourse on land reclamations and coastal protection and promotes favourable policies that meet the needs and realities of the groups that attended the webinars.
Outcome A: Enabling Environment
Both the rights and the legal and political spaces needed to claim and defend those rights are protected for women and men, communities and civil society actors in LLMICs, enabling them to address misconduct and grievances successfully, and promote improved financial and tax policies.
3.A.a
# mechanisms put in place or improved by governments and/or financial institutions and developments banks that guarantee access for civil society to (democratic) decision-making processes related to finance, tax and spending, including the right to resist developments.
All baselines are set at 0
4. Improved: BE and Save Jakarta Bay put a mechanism of increased access to decision-making into place to by organising a multi-stakeholder dialogue during the Dutch trade mission in November between Dutch Minister of Infrastracture and Environment, ADSB and Dutch Embassy in Jakarta concerning NCICD, with follow-up planned for 2017. This resulted in ongoing communication between BE and involved engineering firms. 6. Put in place: After continuous efforts of BE, SOMO and Oxfam Novib, in September 2016, FMO has put a mechanism of multi-stakeholder dialogue into place by organising a first ever public consultation on its sustainability policy, also accessible for international groups; BE continiously engages with FMO to improve CSO input through dialogue, emails, letters and other forms of communication. 7. Put in place: With financial and technical support of BE, our partner in Senegal, LSD has continued its advocacy work on the AfdB in 2016. In June 2016, after advocacy efforts of LSD, the AfdB has put a mechanism of access to decision-making in place by organisaing a CSO gathering around its annual meeting and responded positively to a CSO declaration. BE has also participated in various advocacy meetings in Senegal in June 2016 including with the AfdB. These meetings were mainly focused on increasing CSO participation around the bank in Senegal. After those meetings the AFDB promised to include the national CSO network in upcoming country events and consultations.
1. 1 mechanism improved: The new website of ADSB published category A projects ex-ante for 30 days. After that the project was removed. To improve access for local stakeholders, BE succesfully advocated during the NCP complaint that projects will stay on the list until an insurance is provided or the project is cancelled. This was implemented in 2017. 3. 1 mechanism improved: Up to now, the Dutch parliament did not structurally address the negative effects of insurances of ADSB, which is one of the concerns addressed by CSO's . Through Both ENDS' advocacy, the parliament excercises its political oversight on the insurances of ADSB, which is a new situation. Last year 74 questions were raised by parliamentarians in preparation for the ADSB policy review discussion in the Dutch parliament. Amongst others, questions related to the negative impacts of the insurances brought to the attention by CSOs in Brazil. 5.1 mechanism improved: FMO complaints mechanism implementation was improved: FMO has visited communities in Panama and Senegal to speak about the FMO-financed projects. It was the first time FMO took the initiative to visit communities and engage directly with the communities about the impacts of the projects on their livelihoods, land and water usage and the environment. This increases the possibilities for other affected communities to have their voice heard by FMO. 6. 1 mechanism improved: AfdB decided to organise a CSO Forum around its annual meeting in 2018 which illustrates their stronger engagement with CSOs and on the Sendou case, and which was the result of continuous efforts of Both ENDS and the CSO network around IFIs in Senegal. - 1 mechanism improved: FMO is willing to organise a structural dialogue with Dutch NGOs (who can bring issues of local CSOs to the table), after continuous advocacy of Both ENDS on the importance of a structured dialogue. - 1 mechanism put in place: a structural dialogue between Dutch NGOs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was set up to discuss issues related to IFIs, which aims to improve the Dutch IFI policies and include the voice of Southern CSOs in policy making processes. Both ENDS advocated for this dialogue since many years and was one of the driving forces. A ToR of the dialogue is currently being finalised. - 1 mechanism put in place: a mediation process has started between an infrastructure company and with local groups in Suape, which was advocated for by these local groups and Both ENDS. Several conversations between Both ENDS and the infrastructure company contributed to the acknowledgement by the company of the need for mediation and this resulted in a mediation process. [NB; in reference to the targets formulated for 2016-2017, the improvement of the Common Approaches of OECD/ECG by matching efforts with OECD Guidelines for MNEs was not yet achieved because this a lengthy process which still need to develop further, yet awareness about the issue has been raised.]
1. 1 mechanism (stakeholder consultation of the export credit facility) improved to enhance public access for Dutch and southern CSOs 2. 1 mechanism is developed in order to include CSO's in the process of developing Dutch masterplans (Manila Bay)
"1. 1 mechanism improved: SOMO, Transparency International Netherlands and World Animal Protection joined Both ENDS during the stakeholder consultation meetings of ADSB that led to the introduction of a formal complaint procedure at ADSB. Unfortunately, no Southern CSOs were invited by ADSB. 1. Extra: 1 mechanism put in place: The Tuesday group has been set up. The Tuesday group is a structural meeting to discuss IFI issues between the Dutch ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance and Dutch NGOs. Both ENDS initiated the meeting and is now the co-chair (together with MinBuza). Partners are providing input and sometimes attend the meeting. 2: 1 mechanism improved: Deltares and a Filipino CSO representative have met in 2018 to discuss Manila Bay Masterplanning process, as a response to the request of Filipino partners and Both ENDS. Deltares has started to invite (critical) CSOs, such as the Filipino environmental CSO network regularly to consultation meetings. Extra: 1 mechanism put in place: Quarterly meeting between FMO and Both ENDS, SOMO, Oxfam, to discuss the implementation of the sustainability policy, ongoing cases and to address new issues. These meetings are prepared in coordination with partners, specifically on the Barro Blanco and Sendou cases."
4 mechanisms put in place 1. New website ADSB offering more transparency and transactions 2. Round Table / dialogue with Suape Port Authority started 3. Political oversight by Dutch parliamentarians on ADSB policy review 4. Open up policy dialogue with Dutch and/or multilateral parties involved in NCICD/land reclamation in Indonesia on alternative solutions 3 mechanisms improved 5. Common approaches of OECD/ECG to be improved by matching efforts with OECD Guidelines for MNES 6. Increase space of CSO in relation to 1) FMO and 7. the AfdB to include them in decision making and consultation processes.
2 accountability mechanisms improved: the FMO, EIB, IFC and AIIB accountability mechanisms provide access to CSOs (in a.o. Senegal, Kenya and LLMICs in Asia) that experience the effects of harmful infrastructure projects. Both ENDS will contribute through joint evidence building and joint advocacy with these CSOs.
IFIs: 1 mechanism improved: There is continuous exchange between FMO, BE and partners also from LLMICs (Senegal and Panama) as part of improving the functioning of the FMO accountability mechanism, the ICM. This has resulted in, among other things, an improved monitoring role for the ICM in the case of Barro Blanco (including a stronger monitoring report and improved outreach to the affected communities). 1 mechanism improved: After extensive advocacy work by Both ENDS and partners (Forum on ADB, SOMO, BIC Europe) the final policy for the accountability mechanism of the AIIB (PPM) was stronger than the draft that was open for consultation. The advocacy existed of for example meetings with the ministries and a working session on PPM at the annual meeting of the AIIB organized for AIIB staff and its European Board members. The final PPM policy is easier to understand and some problematic language was taken out for example where the draft prohibited the support of international NGOs in submitting a complaint. KLIMAAT EXTRA, 1 mechanism improved. The GCF NDA (National Designated Authority) of Zambia has found agreement with several Zambian CSOs on the need for a greater CSO involvement. Amongst others it was agreed that greater CSO involvement in climate finance is needed and that community consultation and inclusiveness should be prioritized in project design, implementation and evaluation.
The Green Climate Fund will improve its access mechanism to increase space for local access entities, small grants funds, civil society in decision-making processes, accountability and transparency in the Green Climate Fund. This is the result of continuous lobbying efforts of Both ENDS and southern CSO partners towards de GCF.
The Green Climate Fund did not improve any of the mechanisms we intended to change in 2020. The COVID-19 crisis had an big impact in the board meeting procedures and on the space for civil society to influence. The emergency processes and the funding proposals were the sole focus of the board in a 4-hour a day board meeting online, and the Green Climate Fund did provide very little space for CSOs to participate. In the end, only 7 policy gaps have been closed, but these were not relevant to the issues we would have liked to see changed.
3.A.b
# effective legal and other grievance mechanisms adopted or improved by corporations and/or financial institutions and development banks via which CSOs and communities can resolve grievances with governments, financial institutions and companies, and claim their environmental, human and worker rights.
All baselines are set at 0
1. In December 2015, BE has provided input in the policy consultation of the Independent Complaint Mechanism of FMO (ICM) together with SOMO. After input from BE the new increased mechanism on complaints - the policy of the Independent Complaint Mechanism - has been published at the end of 2016. This policy includes, among others, improvements in accessibility, predictability and independence. The changes are relatively small and some important points were not adressed. We will continue our advocacy towards the Indepedent Complaint Mechanism not only to adopt better policies but also to better implement their monitoring role.
1 mechanism improved: FMO improved their complaint mechanism in the Sendou case in Senegal through engagement with local communities. It was finalised with close monitoring of Both ENDS, SOMO and a CSO in Senegal. Both the process as well as the outcomes have some serious shortcomings. We have used this case to keep advocating for improved functioning of the Independent Complaint Mechanism (ICM) at both the mechanism itself, at FMO and at the ministry. We continue our ask for a profound review of the ICM.
1. FMO mechanism improves monitoring role and accountability and learning role (informal). 2. AIIB adopts a new mechanism with the input of NGOs best practices. 3. EIB's revised mechanism does not weaken the independence and accessibility of the mechanism. 4. ADSB established grievance mechanism.
1.(0) Due to several internal changes in the Independent Complaint Mechanism of FMO (new panel member, Proparco joining) improvements in the practice of the mechanism were not achieved in 2018. We did keep this on the agenda and kept pushing for improvements in several meetings we had with the mechanism and FMO staff during the year. 2.1 mechanism adopted: AIIB's Project Affected People's Mechanism, adopted. BE, together with NGO Forum ADB, has participated actively in consultations on the policies and procedures of the mechanism both towards the bank directly (face to face consultation in Mumbai) as well as in several meetings with the European constituency of the bank. The final PPM policy that the AIIB Board approved in December 2018 was a significant improvement over the previous drafts—removing problematic language that would have required complaints to demonstrate “substantial harm” and limit their ability to have CSO support throughout the process. 3. Result 3, see outcome 3.E.a/b policy change. 4.1 mechanism improved: As a result of the recommendations by the National Contact Point for the OECD guidelines in relation to the complaint by Both ENDS and Forum Suape (Brazil), ADSB established a complaint procedure. During a meeting Both ENDS, SOMO and Transparancy International Netherlands provided ADSB with input on a draft, including criteria for a sufficient mechanism. Based on this meeting, ADSB revised its draft. Both ENDS partly agrees on this and will keep lobbying for better guidelines for a complaint mechanism in 2019. EXTRA: 1 mechanism improved: FMO committed to match their Environmental and Social Standards and Indigenous Peoples standards in their large climate finance program Climate Investor One, affecting at least 10 LLMIC/LIC or LDC countries, after thorough engagement with civil society observers to the Green Climate Fund, led by Both ENDS, before and during the GCF Board Meeting (B.21) in October 2018. Now, when a subproject is proposed, FMO first needs to inform active observers, civil society groups and the GCF board. It will be put on the website of GCF, which enlarges the transparency of FMO’s projects and provide access for CSOs.
1 grievance mechanism improved: FMO improves its complaint mechanism after NGO input.
2 accountability mechanisms of International finance institutions (IFIs) are improved. Both ENDS, together with its partners and the IAWG (international advocates working group) advocates for continuous improvement of the policies and practices of the accountability mechanisms of the different IFIs: * For the Independent Complaints Mechanism (ICM) of FMO this will concentrate on improving the functioning and the capacity of the mechanism so CSOs and communities can claim their environmental, human and worker rights. * For the Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Both ENDS will support partners strategically and financially to influence the policy review planned for 2020, for the IRM to uphold its due processes and keep its dispute resolution function. Additionally Both ENDS will engage with the Dutch representation in the AfDB to gain information.
* The ICM of FMO did not improve their functioning and capacity. Both ENDS pushed for this in the discussions on the set-up of Invest International, that wants to join the ICM. The ICM has been very absent due to the pandemic.
* Both ENDS supported the AfDB civil society network by sharing information and organizing input for the AfDB’s Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) review. 2 partners have provided input to the review process with support of Both ENDS. Both ENDS, together with SOMO, has continued dialogue on CSO priorities for the review with the Dutch representation. Although the review is ongoing, so far, many CSO recommendations are included in drafts, for example:
- Complaints are allowed from individuals, removing restrictions on non-local representatives, including a more favorable timeline for filing complaints.
- a restructuring of the mechanism so that its functions are carried out by permanent staff.. (1)
NL-KVK-41210098-GAGGA
Both ENDS
GAGGA - Supporting Grassroots Funds and NGOs
Strengthening the Capacity of Grassroots funds, NGOs and grassroots groups to do Lobby and Advocacy on Environmental Justice and Women's Rights
Fondo Centro Americano de Mujeres
Both ENDS
Both ENDS
info@bothends.org
13667500
308803
2799990
986369
273172
58542
107844
468808
306136
121911
158426
231545
140146
30034
449721
657284
397830
559586
343585
540831
92806
344510
383189
542288
349684
2749875
391134
210210
2742490
451327
1922625
GAGA 1st installment
Fondo Centro Americano de Mujeres
390084
237628
165150
346067
382160
321909
348745
558083
216159
900226
85257
100403
2561418
682317
611537
NL-KVK-41210098-GAGGA-7
Both ENDS
GAGGA - Forging linkages
Networking, forging linkages, sharing knowledge and influencing global actors on the importance of environmental justice and women's rights
Both ENDS
Both ENDS
Both ENDS
info@bothends.org
420696
58542
15228
14715
91803
100403
1700
92806
30034
22772
6650
92047
104749
96676
-16878
686
85257
1460
5023
-22648
216159
32391
99892
14055
-4099
8. International financial institutions and donors working on environmental justice have more gender- and grassroots responsive policies and financing mechanisms
8.1 Number of funders that shift their funding practice as a result of L&A by GAGGA partners
8.2 Total funding received by GAGGA grassroots partners and NGOs
DD4 8.3a Number of direct interventions on gender- and grassroots responsiveness with IFIs by GAGGA partners
NL-KVK-41210098-AMBE
Both ENDS
Supporting Environmental Justice funds and NGOs for Gender-Just Climate Solutions in Latin America, Africa, and Asia
Both ENDS brings expertise on supporting Lobby and Advocacy on Gender-Just Climate Solutions by Global South partners on climate, environmental and socially sustainable development, and on finance and accountability. Being a global NGO, it bridges local experiences and voices to relevant investors, regional and international climate decision-making processes through information and knowledge provision, skills sharing, and coordinated Lobby and Advocacy through its regional and global networks.
Fondo centroamericano de mujeres
Both ENDS
Both ENDS
gaggapmel@fondocentroamericano.org
https://gaggaalliance.org/
2721612
2739384
2757603
2775997
2794294
725540
Operational costs for the implementation of the project
790158
1811833
2696628
1848366
1633087
Funds transferred to partners NGOs and environmental funds
1910375
Funds committed to be transferred to partners NGOs and environmental funds
5460996
FCAM transferred the funds allocated to alliance member Both ENDS
Fondo centroamericano de mujeres
Both ENDS
NL-KVK-41210098-FGG3
Both ENDS
Fair, Green and Global Programme
The Fair, Green and Global Alliance (FGG) aims to increase the power and decision-making influence of organised, mobilised and informed civil society, especially women, to advance fair and green trade and value chains. FGG believes that poverty, inequality and exclusion are caused by power asymmetries. We see the unprecedented power of capital over people and planet as the primary obstacle impeding realisation of fair and green trade and value chains. The FGG programme focuses on recalibrating power within the global architecture of trade and value chains by amplifying the voices of targeted rights-holders – small producers and traders, workers, fishers, rural and Indigenous peoples, religious and ethnic minorities, and migrants, especially the women and youth among them – who are practising, claiming or defending human rights and fair and green economic practices, and/or whose rights are being ignored, threatened or violated by corporations and/or governments. We aim to transform social relations so that these rights-holders’ voices are heard and heeded. FGG’s eight members (ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie/Friends of the Earth International/Friends of the Earth Europe, Samdhana Institute, SOMO and the Transnational Institute) cooperate with some 1000+ partners and allies in our many worldwide networks to strengthen collective capacities to advance a common vision of fair and green trade and value chains.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Netherlands
Both ENDS
Both ENDS
ActionAid
Milieudefensie
SOMO
TNI
Clean Clothes Campaign
The Samdhana Institute
IT for Change
Both ENDS
https://www.bothends.org/en/
12111811
12864937
12389175
7870864
1893611
10464438
9736420
227233
10492742
9575540
1149065
766043
203218
674130
8426625
SOMO
937325
1255733
1168371
1213338
624884
837155
778914
61000466
808892
304827
2540227
1011195
7267086.52
4844724
12246713
11195265
1702108
2092888
1685325
1947285
2183355
142553
112587
508045
1872567
FGG Annual Report 2022
FGG3 Baseline Report
Fair, Green and Global Alliance
Strategic Partnership, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2021-2026
Baseline situation up to May 2021
FGG Annual Report 2021
FGG Annual Plan 2022
FGG Annual Plan 2021
FGG Annual Plan 2023
FGG Annual Plan 2024
A
strengthened capacities
2x
# targeted civil society actors with strengthened capacities contributing to and/or relevant for lobby and advocacy aiming at expanding/defending civic space
Of the 659 CSOs FGG aims to support in 2021, 334 will strengthen their capacities contributing to and/or relevant for lobby and advocacy aiming at expanding/defending civic space. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of the 591 CSOs FGG supported in 2021, 156 strengthened their capacities contributing to and/or relevant for lobby and advocacy aiming at expanding/defending civic space.
Of the 444 CSOs FGG aims to support in 2022, 147 will strengthen their capacities contributing to and/or relevant for lobby and advocacy aiming at expanding/defending civic space. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of the 926 CSOs FGG supported in 2021, 353 strengthened their capacities contributing to and/or relevant for lobby and advocacy aiming at expanding/defending civic space.
Of the 514 CSOs FGG aims to support in 2023, 150 will strengthen their capacities contributing to and/or relevant for lobby and advocacy aiming at expanding/defending civic space. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of the 490 CSOs FGG aims to support in 2024, 121 will strengthen their capacities contributing to and/or relevant for lobby and advocacy aiming at expanding/defending civic space.
A
strengthened capacities
2g
# targeted civil society actors with strengthened capacities relevant to advance gender justice
Of the 659 CSOs FGG aims to support in 2021, 252 will strengthen their capacities relevant to advance gender justice. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of the 591 CSOs FGG supported in 2021, 239 strengthened their capacities relevant to advance gender justice.
Of the 444 CSOs FGG aims to support in 2022, 184 will strengthen their capacities relevant to advance gender justice. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of the 926 CSOs FGG supported in 2021, 353 strengthened their capacities relevant to advance gender justice.
Of the 514 CSOs FGG aims to support in 2023, 139 will strengthen their capacities relevant to advance gender justice. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of the 490 CSOs FGG aims to support in 2024, 119 will strengthen their capacities relevant to advance gender justice.
A
strengthened capacities
3
# targeted civil society actors that lobby and advocate for improved policies and practices in trade and value chains and advance fair and green practices based on capacities mutually developed
In 2021, FGG aims to support 550 CSOs that lobby and advocate for improved policies and practices in trade and value chains and advance fair and green practices based on capacities mutually developed. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, FGG supported 274 CSOs that lobby and advocate for improved policies and practices in trade and value chains and advance fair and green practices based on capacities mutually developed.
In 2022, FGG aims to support 288 CSOs that lobby and advocate for improved policies and practices in trade and value chains and advance fair and green practices based on capacities mutually developed. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, FGG supported 379 CSOs that lobby and advocate for improved policies and practices in trade and value chains and advance fair and green practices based on capacities mutually developed.
In 2023, FGG aims to support 291 CSOs that lobby and advocate for improved policies and practices in trade and value chains and advance fair and green practices based on capacities mutually developed. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, 336 CSO actors will lobby and advocate for improved policies and practices in trade and value chains and advance fair and green practices based on capacities mutually developed. In 2024, FGG partners and members will advocate for among other things the following:
Trade & investment agreements:
An alternative treaty than the EU – Mercosur trade deal, one that improves political cooperation between the EU and Mercosur countries while strengthening fair and sustainable international trade rules;
Pushing for an ambitious global plastic treaty within the Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee (INC4) in Canada and INC5 in South Korea, that seeks to reduce plastic production, consumption and trade;
Fundamental renegotiation with governments to terminate existing BITs with the Netherlands, including those with Nigeria and Turkey, so that governments are not giving away the sovereign right to regulate the interest of people and the environment.
Tenure policies:
Indigenous and tenurial rights at regional and international platforms, e.g. in Brasil, Peru, India, Philippines, Uganda;
Rights of (women) fisherfolk, particularly in relation to the impacts of marine sand mining and land reclamation;
Approval of CADTs ancestral land rights in the Philippines;
National organisations in the Philippines, Indonesia and countries in de Lower Mekong region to lobby and advocate for indigenous and tenurial rights at regional and international platforms such as the UN Responsible Business and Human Rights forum;
More just and effective tenure arrangements at the national level in Asia, Latin America and Africa, and lobby against green gabbing including industrial agriculture and aquaculture projects, corporate ‘green energy generation, investment in carbon markets and exclusionary conservation.
Climate and environmental policies
Halting the expansion of fossil fuels industry in Latin America and Africa-based;
Preventing the establishment of carbon market and offset schemes;
Holding companies legally accountable for its climate crisis impacts;
Gender-differentiated impacts of waterlogging and climate change in the Koppothako and the Betna-Marichap river basins in Bangladesh.
Public financial institutions:
CSOs in Malawi uses their strengthened influencing skills/leverage and extension of their network to improve their advocacy towards WB/FMO;
A full stop of ECA support for fossil fuel projects and monitoring of the impact of fossil fuel support already provided;
The systemic nature of negative social and environmental impacts associated with Dutch dredging projects financed by ECAs as well as the need to subject dredging companies to more stringent regulation, such as a robust national -level due diligence law towards the Dutch government.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral
Key improvements in the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by National Contact Points;
Communities and CSOs in the Global South advocate that companies take their responsibility for corporate-related environmental and human rights abuses through filing/pursuing an OECD Guidelines complaint;
A Southern-led group of CSOs (mainly Africa, South America and South-East Asia) advocates at international and national level for a full stop of ECA support for fossil fuels, the need for a just energy transition and a ban on fossil exploration and extraction.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector:
Justice for a community which faces human rights violations linked to the operations of a palm oil company in Guatemala. With FGG support, the community will file a complaint against the company;
Through RSPO Outreach 2nd phase (2023/24-2027) and direct support to CSOs, enable civil society and communities to effectively use the RSPO Complaints Panel and other avenues to seek justice and remedy from violating palm oil companies in Uganda;
The need for respecting human and women's rights when attaining minerals and metals needed for the energy transition, as a key matter to address in the realization and implementation of policies and regulations concerning mineral and metal supply chains, such as the Critical Raw Material Act and the Conflict minerals regulation, and the Dutch Grondstoffenstrategie and Afrikastrategie);
Improvement of working conditions for workers in the sisal and salt industries in Kenya;
Stop criminalization of people defending their communities from the destructive impacts of fossil fuel operations in Latin American and African countries;
A ban on fossil exploration and extraction for OECD countries, e.g. Argentina, Brasil, Ghana, Mozambique, Togo, Uganda and EU countries, as well as monitoring of the impact of fossil fuel support already provided;
Responsible divestment by companies from fossil fuels.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector:
Labour rights in the garment industry, through the Pay Your Workers/Respect labour rights campaign towards garments brands;
Lobby towards the Steering Committee of the Accord and the Accord signatories to support successful implementation of the Accord in Pakistan, enhanced by monitoring and gathering evidence regarding safety issues in the country’s garment factories;
Media outreach and informing the general public about the importance of the Accord;
Expansion of the International Accord to other countries, by raising awareness and network building in potential expansion countries;
A law and bridging solution for workers injured or killed since 2013 in Bangladesh.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector:
Advocate against digital trade policies and e-commerce chapters that restrict policy space and data sovereignty of developing countries and push unequal outcomes for small producers;
Advocate for stronger and effective platform governance measures that curtail extractivism by digital corporations;
Data policies that protect and promote peoples’ rights and ownership over data as a resource and allow for sustainable, equitable value accrual;
Develop advocacy tool kit to engage with merger reviews and digital economy policy.
Fair and green systems, agroecology:
Support for agroecology among local governments in the Philippines, by strengthening their practices and spreading the work to other local farms;
Community-based and gender-responsive natural resource governance that is supportive of agroecological practices in Bangladesh;
A better understanding of the social and environmental impacts of conventional agricultural practices among local and national government bodies in Uganda.
Fair and green systems; energy, water, other public goods and services
Increasing the participation and representation of Indigenous Peoples in existing coalitions and networks in the Philippines, particularly the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council;
Support partners in Brazil and Peru to continue to expand transformative practices to defend land rights and garner increased civic engagement, with a specific focus on women’s rights;
National policies that support food sovereignty in line with the Nyeleni process which envisages consultation rounds worldwide.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral
Key improvements in the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by National Contact Points;
Communities and CSOs in the Global South advocate that companies take their responsibility for corporate-related environmental and human rights abuses through filing/pursuing an OECD Guidelines complaint;
A Southern-led group of CSOs (mainly Africa, South America and South-East Asia) advocates at international and national level for a full stop of ECA support for fossil fuels, the need for a just energy transition and a ban on fossil exploration and extraction.Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector:
Advocate against digital trade policies and e-commerce chapters that restrict policy space and data sovereignty of developing countries and push unequal outcomes for small producers;
Advocate for stronger and effective platform governance measures that curtail extractivism by digital corporations;
Data policies that protect and promote peoples’ rights and ownership over data as a resource and allow for sustainable, equitable value accrual;
Develop advocacy tool kit to engage with merger reviews and digital economy policy.
Fair and green systems, agroecology:
Support for agroecology among local governments in the Philippines, by strengthening their practices and spreading the work to other local farms;
Community-based and gender-responsive natural resource governance that is supportive of agroecological practices in Bangladesh;
A better understanding of the social and environmental impacts of conventional agricultural practices among local and national government bodies in Uganda.
Fair and green systems; energy, water, other public goods and services
Increasing the participation and representation of Indigenous Peoples in existing coalitions and networks in the Philippines, particularly the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council;
Support partners in Brazil and Peru to continue to expand transformative practices to defend land rights and garner increased civic engagement, with a specific focus on women’s rights;
National policies that support food sovereignty in line with the Nyeleni process which envisages consultation rounds worldwide.
B
agenda-setting, momentum-building and increased support
4
# key actors (government, private sector, other) who put FGG policy/practice recommendations on their agendas (e.g. meetings, debates, media coverage)
In 2021, FGG aims for 193 key actors (government, private sector, other) to put FGG policy/practice change recommendations on their agendas (e.g. meetings, debates, media coverage). For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, 183 key actors (government, private sector, other) put FGG policy/practice change recommendations on their agendas (e.g. meetings, debates, media coverage).
In 2022, FGG aims for 145 key actors (government, private sector, other) to put FGG policy/practice change recommendations on their agendas (e.g. meetings, debates, media coverage). For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, 299 key actors (government, private sector, other) put FGG policy/practice change recommendations on their agendas (e.g. meetings, debates, media coverage).
In 2023, FGG aims for 163 key actors (government, private sector, other) to put FGG policy/practice change recommendations on their agendas (e.g. meetings, debates, media coverage). For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims for 161 key actors such as (policymakers within) national governments (e.g. Bangladesh, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands), international and multilateral organizations (EU, UN, World Bank), political parties and media outlets to put FGG’s policy and practice recommendations on their agendas. FGG’s aim for 2024 is to set agendas on among other things, the following:
Trade & Investment
Feminist approaches to foreign trade and investment policies, specifically among Dutch policymakers;
Trade and investment agreements, with a particular focus on the Energy Charter Treaty and digital trade chapters in Free Trade Agreements, e.g. EU Mercosur, EU-Indonesia, EU-India, EU-Mexico and EU-Thailand);
The necessity to review current Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), in particular the BIT between the Netherlands and Nigeria and Turkey;
ISDS is increasingly understood by the Dutch parliament as a mechanism that hinders an international just energy transition.
Tenure policies
The Ugandan Ministry of Housing, Lands and Urban Development and the parliament will discuss the inclusion of FGG’s recommendations for the amendment of the Land Act which seeks to address the human rights violations that are associated with land evictions, e.g. the incorporation of the principle of FPIC (Free, Prior and Informed Consent) in case of land evictions;
Government agencies in the Philippines concerned with overlapping tenurial instruments, such as the CLOA (Certificate of Land Ownership Award) and the CBFM (Community Based Forest Management) providing space for dialogues;
Illegal logging on community land and related policies and issues of corruption, to be put higher on the agenda of the federation of traditional chiefs in Cross-River State, Nigeria.
Climate and environmental policies
Demands put forward in legal cases to hold corporations accountable for the contribution of their operations to the climate crisis, to be put (higher) on the agenda of (international) media outlets;
The negative impacts of the plastic waste trade and plastics pollution and the need for a global plastic treaty will be discussed by the media;
The dangers of false solutions to the climate crisis, including the EU Carbon Removals Scheme, the continuation of fossil fuels and the need to block carbon markets, to be put on the agenda of the media globally;
Recommendations to address human rights impacts on women and communities in the green hydrogen supply chain are picked up by national, international or provincial policy makers and political parties as a result of ActionAid and SOMO's report on the green hydrogen supply chain;
Climate finance for the new Loss & Damage funding facility on top of the ODA budget, to be put on the agenda of Dutch political entities, in addition to GL/PvdA and PvdD;
The UNCCD Gender Caucusto support Drynet/ FGG recommendations for improving the implementation of UNCCD COP14 Decision 26 (from 2019, which is on the VGGTs in Land Degradation Neutrality) for women, and on the implementation and monitoring of the Gender Action Plan.
Public financial institutions
Joining the Glasgow statement on stopping export support to fossil fuel projects, to be put on the agenda of the Afreximbank and the board of the bank;
Improving the CSR policy of ADSB, on the agenda of the Dutch government;
The mediation process with the ICM (complaints mechanism AfDB) on the TER project in Senegal, continues aiming to have outcomes that benefit the communities and remedies the harm done and at least one of the demands of the community will be proactively discussed and followed-up by the ICM in 2024;
Just energy transition principles with regard to ADSB, will be put on the political agenda by Dutch parliamentarians;
Agreement is reached for the Nachtigal case between the IFIs and project affected persons about compensation and restoration of livelihoods.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sector
Decent work for women in e.g. plantation and extractive settings (Uganda, Zimbabwe) to be put on the agendas of the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social development (MGLSD);
A Feminist binding treaty will be on the agenda of MPs to advocate for a feminist UNBT in UN negotiations;
Ending the corporate capture of multilateral decision-making by ensuring the United Nations Summit of the Future in 2024 remains a multilateral space and providing viable alternatives to multistakeholderism.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector:
Campaigns on decent work for women and on curbing Illicit Financial Flows in the gemstone sector, to encourage locals to benefit from gemstone mining, in Zimbabwe and continue to make sure this is high on the agenda of media and network organisations;
The need for respecting human rights and women’s rights when attaining minerals and metals needed for the energy transition on the agenda in the realization and implementation of policies and regulations concerning mineral and metal supply chains (such as the Critical Raw Material Act and the Conflict minerals regulation);
Human rights violations, including gender-based violence, faced by women working in sugarcane plantations in Uganda.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector
At least two governments support the proposed Pay Your Workers / Respect Labour Rights binding agreement;
Garment brands are made to engage in over 30 Urgent Appeal cases taken up by CCC and its partners, in our attempts to bring remedy to affected workers on issues such as wage theft, severance theft or freedom of association. The engagement of the garment brands involves (depending on the stage of the case), among others, communication with the CCC partner and Urgent Appeal case coordinators, communication with their suppliers, reporting on the facts of the case (or at least their version of those facts), negotiating a course of remedy;
Major garment brands start discussing the expansion of the International Accord to at least one additional country;
By lobbying the Dutch government and Dutch members of parliament (including meetings with the ministry and MPs), we expect that the Human Rights Due Diligence legislation (IMVO wetgeving) will continue to be high on the agenda of the Dutch Parliament;
European national policy makers will engage in the transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector
The EC and other competition authorities or politicians of governments in Europe will put Somo’s problem assessment and recommendations that follow from our research on Bigh Tech power and advocacy on their agenda;
Putting the risks of monopolisation of tech in health care on the agenda EC and European governments;
Government bodies in India at national and state level on enhancing platform governance/regulation and corporate accountability, digital public goods and common frameworks for digital infrastructure in areas;
Multilateral fora (e.g. UNCTADm South Centre, ILO, UNESCO) on pro-south digital trade and industrialization policies, evolving worker rights frameworks for the digital economy.
Fair and green systems: agroecology
Recommendations in relation to UNFCCC article 6 on the agenda of the UNFCCC. Regarding this article, FGG advocates for defending agroecology and food sovereignty from corporate capture and false climate solutions;
Demands in relation to food sovereignty, agroecology and the food crisis on the agenda of the UN Committee on World Food Security, e.g. supporting the CSIPM with advocacy for structural reforms to address the food crisis, including gender justice as a core element;
Local legislators will put on their agenda the passage of ordinances on agroecology. They will do so after agroecology networks have built and strengthened their partnerships with private sector actors and government agencies to link them to communities; to garner support for local producers, agroecology and indigenous systems, with the aim of supporting social enterprise development of IPLCs;
The potential to promote agroecological practices is increasingly discussed by local government actors in the upper watershed of the Athi river, based on the insights provided by the Athi River Community Network concerning social, gender-differentiated and environmental impacts caused by agricultural value chains (particularly concerning use of pesticides) and water-related infrastructure (particularly dams);
Financial and (trade) policy space for land-related Transformative Practices is on the agenda of the Dutch new government, parliament and other key donors.
Fair and green systems: energy, water, other public goods and services
Universal public services, including public energy and public and community water systems at the municipal and national levels in Asia, Latin America and Africa;
The Colombian Ministry of Environment collaborates with FGG and CSOs to facilitate online dialogues on TWP principles/community-based approaches for the protection of strategic ecosystems, based on experiences of FGG partners from outside of Colombia, which will be used to inform the development of Colombia’s own strategy for the protection of the Paramos ecosystems.
Concrete recommendations from Drynet and FGG based upon the needs of CSOs to support communities in their transformative practices and/or to support the implementation of VGGTs are discussed by the Global Environment Facility.
B
agenda-setting, momentum-building and increased support
4x
# of instances in which the recommendation a key actor puts on its agenda aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 193 key actors, FGG aims for 81 key actors to put a recommendation on their agenda that aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 183 key actors, 25 key actors put a recommendation on their agenda that aimed to contribute to expanding/defending civic space.
Of these 145 key actors, FGG aims for 51 key actors to put a recommendation on their agenda that aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 299 key actors, 70 key actors put a recommendation on their agenda that aimed to contribute to expanding/defending civic space.
Of these 163 key actors, FGG aims for 44 key actors to put a recommendation on their agenda that aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 161 key actors, FGG aims for 38 key actors to put a recommendation on their agenda that aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space.
B
agenda-setting, momentum-building and increased support
4g
# of instances in which the recommendation a key actor puts on its agenda aims to contribute to gender justice
Of these 193 key actors, FGG aims for 81 key actors to put a recommendation on their agenda that aims to contributes to gender justice. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 183 key actors, 19 key actors put a recommendation on their agenda that aimed to contribute to gender justice.
Of these 145 key actors, FGG aims for 33 key actors to put a recommendation on their agenda that aims to contributes to gender justice. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 299 key actors, 35 key actors put a recommendation on their agenda that aimed to contribute to gender justice.
Of these 163 key actors, FGG aims for 51 key actors to put a recommendation on their agenda that aims to contributes to gender justice. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 161 key actors, FGG aims for 45 key actors to put a recommendation on their agenda that aims to contributes to gender justice.
C
governments increasing democratic decision-making
5C
# key actors who support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations
In 2021, FGG aims for 74 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, 57 key actors supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
In 2022, FGG aims for 60 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, 32 key actors supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
In 2023, FGG aims for 60 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims for 56 key actors such as (policymakers within) national governments (e.g. Brazil, Mexico, Thailand), international and multilateral organisations (EU, UN, World Bank) and corporations to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at improved government policies (result area C). FGG’s aim for 2024 is to improve government policies on among other things, the following:
EU member states continue to raise concerns about the EU Mercosur free trade agreement;
Support from national governments in Asia for an ambitious global plastic treaty that seeks to reduce plastic production, consumption and trade;
Support from national actors in Bangladesh, such as the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resource, the Standing Committee of MoPEMR, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), to address, promote and discuss the recommendations from the CSO-proposed National Energy Transition Pllicy (NETP), a document developed by Bangladeshi civil society to inspire policy change;
Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand and/or India, which currently negotiate a free trade agreement with the EU, will resist including UPOV19 obligations in the agreement;
At least two national governments support CSO demands on sufficient policy space for governments to regulate in support of sustainable development, e.g. on agriculture and e-commerce, during the WTO negotiations.
C
governments increasing democratic decision-making
5Cx
# of instances in which the supported and/or promoted recommendation by a key actor aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 74 key actors, FGG aims for 27 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 57 key actors, 6 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
Of these 60 key actors, FGG aims for 20 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 32 key actors, 3 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
Of these 60 key actors, FGG aims for 20 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 80 key actors, FGG aims for 12 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
C
governments increasing democratic decision-making
5Cg
# of instances in which the supported and/or promoted recommendation by a partner aims to contribute to gender justice
Of these 74 key actors, FGG aims for 42 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 57 key actors, 9 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
Of these 60 key actors, FGG aims for 17 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 32 key actors, 5 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
Of these 60 key actors, FGG aims for 20 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 80 key actors, FGG aims for 9 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
C
governments increasing democratic decision-making
6C
# instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations
In 2021, FGG aims for 42 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, in 28 instances key actors adopted and/or implemented FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
In 2022, FGG aims for 26 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, in 53 instances key actors adopted and/or implemented FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
In 2023, FGG aims for 6 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims to contribute to 24 policy changes that are aimed at improved government policies in line with FGG recommendations to advance fair and green value chains (i.e. laws, policies being blocked, adopted or improved) for sustainable and inclusive development. These include:
The UN Committee on World Food Security will adopt recommendations on structural reforms, such as including gender justice, to address the food crisis;
Adoption by the CBD’s Subsidiary Body on Implementation of some recommendations put forward by FoEI for the development of the Action Plan on Biodiversity Mainstreaming;
The Dutch government will adopt recommendations in the renewal of the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, geared towards improving gender responsiveness;
A strong EU CSDDD law is adopted, including strong provisions on liability and access to courts for victims and climate obligations for companies;
The Parliament committee on energy demands the Kenyan Ministry of Energy to rescind the interest on ECT as an option for improving energy infrastructure;
The government in India continues to opt out of the trade pillar of the final rounds of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity and protect space for policy sovereignty.
C
governments increasing democratic decision-making
6Cx
# of instances in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices by key actors contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 42 instances, FGG aims for 2 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2 of these 28 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contributed to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
Of these 26 instances, FGG aims for 16 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 7 of these 53 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contributed to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
Of these 6 instances, FGG aims for 3 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 24 instances, FGG aims for 7 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
A
strengthened capacities
1
# of CSOs included in the FGG programme
In 2021, FGG aims to include 672 CSOs in the FGG programme. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, FGG included 615 CSOs in the FGG programme.
In 2022, FGG aims to include 470 CSOs in the FGG programme. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, FGG included 1067 CSOs in the FGG programme.
In 2023, FGG aims to include 591 CSOs in the FGG programme. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims to include 627 CSOs in the FGG programme. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
A
strengthened capacities
2
# targeted civil society actors with strengthened capacities for lobbying and advocacy
In 2021, FGG aims to support 659 targeted civil society actors to strengthen their capacities for lobbying and advocacy. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, FGG supported 591 targeted civil society actors to strengthen their capacities for lobbying and advocacy.
In 2022, FGG aims to support 445 targeted civil society actors to strengthen their capacities for lobbying and advocacy. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, FGG supported 926 targeted civil society actors to strengthen their capacities for lobbying and advocacy.
In 2023, FGG aims to support 514 targeted civil society actors to strengthen their capacities for lobbying and advocacy. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024 the FGG programme aims for 490 CSO actors with strengthened capacity for lobby and advocacy. These actors are based in different places around the world, including but not limited to Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa and Uganda. In 2024 the FGG programme engages in mutual capacity development through:
Access: CSO actors, women in particular, will have better access to decision-making spaces;
Constituency: CSO actors will strengthen their linkages with existing regional networks and movements that provide capacity building for IPLCs and EHRDs;
Knowledge building: CSO actors will strengthen their knowledge through capacity development on specific topics based on the local contexts as well as skills such as community organising, joint strategising, human resources, knowledge production and dissemination, data and evidence-based analysis, information exchange, proposal development, basic project and financial management, fundraising, (women and youth) leadership, network building;
Advocacy skills: CSO actors will strengthen their advocacy and lobby capacity through activities such as negotiation and communication skills development, peaceful advocacy tactics training, effective mobilisation strategies and knowledge building on fair and green practices;
Leverage: CSO actors will strengthen their capacity to leverage on multiple (supra-national) pressure points;
Enabling environment: CSO actors will strengthen their capacities to undertake action freely and safely, with a focus on feminist leadership.
In 2024, FGG partners and members will increase their knowledge on and strengthen their capacity to lobby and advocate for among other things:
Trade and investment agreements:
Fair and green trade and investment agreements that enable governments to live up to their human rights obligations, with a particular focus on Feminist Foreign Policy, the Energy Charter Treaty and digital trade chapters in free trade agreements, e.g. EU Mercosur, EU-Indonesia, EU-India, EU-Mexico and EU-Thailand;
Renegotiation and termination of International Investment Agreements and Bilateral Investment Treaties, e.g. with Argentina, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Turkey and Uganda;
CSO participation in and influence on regional and international spaces of trade policy making (such as the WTO, UNCTAD, EU);
The implications of trade treaties for specific countries, e.g. Uganda’s obligations under international trade treaties and conventions to protect workers and communities affected by the activities of palm oil companies.
Climate and environmental policies:
Environmental rights, such as climate justice, climate litigation and prevention of more pollution;
Community forests as a means to measure carbon sequestration and counter deforestation;
Fossil fuel company Total’s lack of due diligence measures in Mozambique, and the possibility of them using ISDS. FGG will engage in mutual capacity development to increase CSOs’ legal capacities to provide materials and evidence for the court cases,develop campaign materials to illustrate the impacts of the LNG projects, and to increase their access to media in the home countries of the gas companies involved.
Policies on tenure:
VGGTs, at national and UN level;
Inclusion of women’s, indigenous and community land rights in national legal frameworks and internationally agreed guidelines, e.g. in Kenya, India and Uganda;
Land grabbing, illegal logging on community land and land-related policies and issues of corruption;
Inheritance rights and the use of alternative justice systems in resolving community land disputes;
Indigenous communities regaining land tenure titles and rehabilitation of forest-based livelihoods in India.
Public financial institutions:
A full stop of ECA support of fossil fuels, need for a just energy transition and a ban on fossil exploration and extraction;
Awareness raising on the importance of policy influencing towards IFIs/DFIs (WB, FMO);
The policies and practices of international financial institutions and development finance institutions such as the World Bank and the Dutch Development Bank (FMO), the rights people have vis-a-vis the investments of these institutions, and the networks they need to influence these institutions’ policies and practices, in among other countries Malawi.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross sectoral
UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights;
European Union Corporate Social Due Diligence Directive.
Rules for business & corporate conduct, extractives
Expansion of the fossil fuel industry in Latin American and African countries;
Litigation against environmental pollution & corporate violations of human rights;
Access to remedy including for community groups in Uganda;
Engage companies and governments to prevent, mitigate, and remedy human rights abuses related to graphite mining in Mozambique;
Socially responsible battery supply chains;
Gender responsive service delivery for women miners in Zimbabwe.
Rules for business & corporate conduct, garment sector
Labour and human rights such as living wages, workers health and safety, prevention and remedy of labour rights violations, freedom of association;
Corporate regulation and supply chain transparency;
Enforceable brand agreements.
Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector
CSOs’ engagement in the reviews of mergers;
Political economy of data, digital trade and e-commerce.
Fair and green systems: agroecology
Inclusive and gender-responsive natural resource governance that is supportive of agroecological practices in Kenya;
Empowerment of Kenyan female leaders will advance Agroecology at (international) institutional/governmental level;
Financial support at national and UN level for community-based transformative practices such as agroecology;
Establishment of agroecological community farms, formation of community advocates/practitioners or Farmer Mentors for Ecology and Culture and the set-up of conversation hubs for continuing sharing of agroecology and cultural practices, in Indonesia and the Philippines;
Mapping of traditional food conservation areas in the Philippines;
Baseline assessment on food and agricultural food systems through collaboration with relevant networks in Indonesia.
Fair and green systems: energy, water, other public goods and service
A new water law in Guatemala that includes the rights of communities and indigenous people related to water and incorporates a gender justice lense;
Seed systems development in Kenya;
Rights and recognition of IPLCs in different contexts, including India, and Indonesia’s new capital city;
Community-led water governance, increasing access to potable water, and protecting water sources in the Philippines and Indonesia;
(Feminist) just energy transition;
On digital justice, e.g. Just and sustainable/community led AI, digital public goods and infrastructures, digital commons.
C
governments increasing democratic decision-making
6Cg
# of instances in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices by key actors contribute to gender justice
Of these 42 instances, FGG aims for 28 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 8 of these 28 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contributed to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
Of these 26 instances, FGG aims for 13 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 9 of these 53 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contributed to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
Of these 6 instances, FGG aims for 1 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 24 instances, FGG aims for 9 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments increase democratic decision-making and protection of human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in policies and practices affecting trade and value chains.
D
governments regulating the private sector
5D
# key actors who support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations
In 2021, FGG aims for 82 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, 57 key actors supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
In 2022, FGG aims for 66 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, 73 key actors supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
In 2023, FGG aims for 57 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims for 58 key actors such as (policymakers within) national governments (e.g. Brazil, Mexico, Thailand), international and multilateral organisations (EU, UN, World Bank) and corporations to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at improved corporate regulation by governmental institutions (result area D). FGG’s aim for 2024 is to improve government policies on among other things, the following:
Political actors in two Latin American countries will support or promote recommendations for a process of national legislation on binding rules for transnational corporations;
Political actors in Brazil will increasingly support a draft law on binding rules for transnational corporations;
Engagement on UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights in the context of migrant worker’s rights to ensure safeguard of the migrant workers in Bangladesh, e.g. with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare & Overseas Employment (MoEWOE) and the Climate Parliament of Bangladesh;
Key actors from local government units recognise Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plans (ADSDPP) of Indigenous People in the Philippines, as basis for resource development within ancestral domains. ADSDPPs document the IPs' vision and plans for development, as well as their framework for natural resources management in accordance with their traditions and customary laws, including the regulation of development projects within the Ancestral Domain by both government and private sector;
The new Dutch coalition will commit, in its coalition agreement, to ambitious Human Rights Due Diligence legislation (HRDD/IMVO law);
Political actors at EU and national level will adopt our priorities in the legislative processes on due diligence, and in the development of guidance and accompanying measures;
The EU parliament calls on the EU commission to replace the EU ECA regulation 1233/2011 with new EU legislation that is fully informed by just transition principles and human rights and environmental due diligence frameworks and standards including gender analyses and participation of civil society organisations in decision making processes around ECA supported projects and based on the commitments adopted at COP26;
Dutch policymakers advocate for a review of the ECA policy in line with Just Transition principles;
Progressive EU parliamentary groups mention an end to government support for the fossil fuel sector in their elections programs;
At the OECD meeting in Q4 of 2024 a coalition of countries, including the UK and Canada advocate for stopping ECA support for oil and gas by the end of 2025;
EU member states advocate for review of the OECD ECA arrangement in regards to fossil phase out.
Non-judicial ruling in an ICSID (International Center for settlement of Investment Disputes) case filed by fossil fuel companies against Columbia that takes into account community perspectives on a responsible exit;
Governmental actors in Nigeria or Colombia call for companies to remediate environmental and social damage before divesting from fossil fuels.
D
governments regulating the private sector
5Dx
# of instances in which the supported and/or promoted recommendation by a key actor aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 82 key actors, FGG aims for 45 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 57 key actors, 14 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Of these 66 key actors, FGG aims for 28 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 71 key actors, 22 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Of these 57 key actors, FGG aims for 18 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 58 key actors, FGG aims for 19 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
D
governments regulating the private sector
5Dg
# of instances in which the supported and/or promoted recommendation by a partner aims to contribute to gender justice
Of these 82 key actors, FGG aims for 45 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 57 key actors, 12 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Of these 66 key actors, FGG aims for 15 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 71 key actors, 6 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Of these 57 key actors, FGG aims for 17 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 58 key actors, FGG aims for 16 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
D
governments regulating the private sector
6D
# instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations
In 2021, FGG aims for 43 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, in 28 instances key actors adopted and/or implemented FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
In 2022, FGG aims for 31 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, in 24 instances key actors adopted and/or implemented FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
In 2023, FGG aims for 27 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims to contribute to 30 policy changes that are aimed at corporate regulation by governmental institutions in line with FGG recommendations to advance fair and green value chains (i.e. laws, policies being blocked, adopted or improved) for sustainable and inclusive development. These include:
The EU will adopt a strong corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD) including provisions on liability and access to court for victims, and climate obligations for companies;
The EU and member states will withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty (on top of the countries that already announced to take steps to withdraw from the treaty);
Adoption of a feminist lens to address gender equality concerns with and corporate violations by the Kenyan Ministry of labour;
The County Government of Siaya (Kenya) will establish a joint team to work on Yala Swamp and will take up AAK and partner’s recommendation for safeguarding community land rights and providing compensation and other forms of remedy in the area;
The Dutch parliament adopts a due diligence law that reflects the perspectives of and input from SOMO and the MVO Platform and provides better protection of human rights in global value chains;
The EU will adopt stricter or improved due diligence requirements along battery supply chains;
The RSPO board will adopt revamped complaint mechanisms and a revised planning and control standard on human rights, land rights, civil society participation and women’s rights;
The new Dutch government will end all support for fossil fuel projects via ADSB;
The Dutch government will decide to stop supporting the Mozambique LNG project and address human rights violations that already took place in this project;
FMO will implement the Land Rights Plan (LRP) in Malawi to the satisfaction of the Salima communities and take responsibility for outstanding issues by adopting a policy or practice that addresses these issues;
FMO will recognise its responsibility in the human rights violations that took place and will remedy the harm done in the Barro Blanco project.
D
governments regulating the private sector
6Dx
# of instances in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices by key actors contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 43 instances, FGG aims for 25 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 17 of these 28 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contributed to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Of these 31 instances, FGG aims for 9 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 4 of these 24 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contributed to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Of these 27 instances, FGG aims for 5 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 29 instances, FGG aims for 9 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
D
governments regulating the private sector
6Dg
# of instances in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices by key actors contribute to gender justice
Of these 43 instances, FGG aims for 29 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 1 of these 28 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policy/practice contributed to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Of these 31 instances, FGG aims for 12 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 3 of these 24 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policy/practice contributed to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
Of these 27 instances, FGG aims for 4 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 29 instances, FGG aims for 7 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that governments act to regulate private sector actors (especially corporations and including financiers/banks) to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
E
private sector actors respecting human rights and the environment
5E
# key actors who support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations
In 2021, FGG aims for 58 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, 39 key actors supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
In 2022, FGG aims for 33 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, 12 key actors supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
In 2023, FGG aims for 32 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims for 11 key actors such as (policymakers within) national governments (e.g. Brazil, Mexico, Thailand), international and multilateral organisations (EU, UN, World Bank) and corporations to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at improved corporate conduct. FGG’s aim for 2024 is to improve government policies on among other things, the following:
Garment brands and/or multi-stakeholder initiatives use their leverage in favour of the wage demands from independent local trade unions in Asian countries;
Leading energy sector stakeholders will support recommendations on Renewable Energy (RE) expansion and RE based livelihood solutions for women’s equitable access to RE to ensure gender justice in Bangladesh;
Private sector actors in the Philippines adhere to FPIC processes on their projects and investments.
National market players in the granite and gemstones sector support fair and green trade, and decent work for women through supporting and promoting gemstone trade, export and marketing that enables locals to benefit from gemstone mining;
Zimbabwe Miners Federation will work with Trade Unions to assist its members to promote decent work for women through responsible mining and sustainability, they will be part of the campaign on Gemstone export and marketing to encourage locals to benefit from gemstone mining.
E
private sector actors respecting human rights and the environment
5Ex
# of instances in which the supported and/or promoted recommendation by a key actor aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 58 key actors, FGG aims for 14 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 39 key actors, 1 supported and/or promoted an FGG policy/practice recommendation aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
Of these 33 key actors, FGG aims for 15 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 12 key actors, 3 supported and/or promoted an FGG policy/practice recommendation aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
Of these 32 key actors, FGG aims for 5 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
We have not observed instances in which key actors support and/or promote FGG policies/practices recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
E
private sector actors respecting human rights and the environment
5Eg
# of instances in which the supported and/or promoted recommendation by a partner aims to contribute to gender justice
Of these 58 key actors, FGG aims for 21 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 39 key actors, 1 supported and/or promoted an FGG policy/practice recommendation aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
Of these 33 key actors, FGG aims for 5 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 12 key actors, 3 supported and/or promoted an FGG policy/practice recommendation aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
Of these 32 key actors, FGG aims for 7 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 11 key actors, FGG aims for 3 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
E
private sector actors respecting human rights and the environment
6E
# instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations
In 2021, FGG aims for 38 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, in 21 instances key actors adopted and/or implemented FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
In 2022, FGG aims for 36 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, in 66 instances key actors adopted and/or implemented FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
In 2023, FGG aims for 28 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims to contribute to 59 policy changes that are aimed at corporate conduct by governmental institutions in line with FGG recommendations to advance fair and green value chains (i.e. laws, policies being blocked, adopted or improved) for sustainable and inclusive development. These include:
The OECD will develop an ambitious climate guidance on climate due diligence including a feminist just transition perspective;
In the Dutch national regulation on corporate sustainability due diligence, the Dutch government will include strong wording on climate obligations and the financial sector, and increase possibilities for local communities and environmental and human rights defenders to hold companies accountable;
Companies in the energy sector will compensate for community level human rights violations that people are currently facing, and take concrete measures to prevent such violations in the future;
Palm oil companies will compensate communities for harm done to them;
Mining companies (gypsum, iron, natural stones) will compensate communities affected by their operations and take concrete steps to prevent similar violations in the future;
Additional garment brands producing in Bangladesh and Pakistan will sign the International Accord;
Garment brands will improve the transparency of their supply chains beyond Tier 1 production, and include information such as sub-contractors and wage data;
Garment brands will increase wages in their supply chains;
At least two leading energy sector value chain actors will adopt and/or implement FGG policy and practice recommendations by compensating for and preventing community-level violations that people are currently experiencing.
E
private sector actors respecting human rights and the environment
6Ex
# of instances in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices by key actors contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 38 instances, FGG aims for 20 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2 of these 21 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contributed to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
Of these 36 instances, FGG aims for 18 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 5 of these 66 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contributed to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
Of these 28 instances, FGG aims for 1 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute
Of these 59 instances, FGG aims for 5 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
E
private sector actors respecting human rights and the environment
6Eg
# of instances in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices by key actors contribute to gender justice
Of these 38 instances, FGG aims for 25 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 1 of these 21 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policy/practice contributed to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
Of these 36 instances, FGG aims for 13 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2 of these 66 instances, the adopted and/or implemented policy/practice contributed to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
Of these 28 instances, FGG aims for 2 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 59 instances, FGG aims for 5 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains.
F
governments, government-backed agencies, donors, private sector actors increasing policy space and support for fair and green practices
5F
# key actors who support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations
In 2021, FGG aims for 51 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, 24 key actors supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
In 2022, FGG aims for 24 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, 11 key actors supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
In 2023, FGG aims for 27 key actors to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims for 21 key actors such as (policymakers within) national governments (e.g. Brazil, Mexico, Thailand), international and multilateral organisations (EU, UN, World Bank) and corporations to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at improved policy space and funding for transformative practices. FGG’s aim for 2024 is to improve government policies on among other things, the following:
Promote renewable energy (RE) in Bangladesh; including the CSO led proposed National Energy Transition Policy (NETP), RE-based model communities, RE-based innovation labs, RE-based alternative livelihood solutions, and RE-based capacity strengthening of community women entrepreneurs;
De-privatisation of energy and public services on the agenda of government officials at the municipal levels and national levels in Asia, America and Africa;
Digital goods in key sectors of development, such as agriculture and health, promoted by Indian government, e.g. ministry of Agriculture, Health, Informations and electronics;
More financial and (trade) policy space for land-related Transformative Practices supported by key actors within the new Dutch government and parliament;
Key government actors (local, regional or national) gives priority to IPLC women and youth to access programmes and services related to agroecology in Indonesia and the Philippines.
F
governments, government-backed agencies, donors, private sector actors increasing policy space and support for fair and green practices
5Fx
# of instances in which the supported and/or promoted recommendation by a key actor aims to contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 51 key actors, FGG aims for 30 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 24 key actors, 3 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
Of these 24 key actors, FGG aims for 8 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 11 key actors, 1 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
Of these 27 key actors, FGG aims for 6 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 21 key actors, FGG aims for 9 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
F
governments, government-backed agencies, donors, private sector actors increasing policy space and support for fair and green practices
5Fg
# of instances in which the supported and/or promoted recommendation by a partner aims to contribute to gender justice
Of these 51 key actors, FGG aims for 35 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 24 key actors, 8 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
Of these 24 key actors, FGG aims for 7 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 24 key actors, 0 supported and/or promoted FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
Of these 27 key actors, FGG aims for 14 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 21 key actors, FGG aims for 8 to support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at contributing to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
F
governments, government-backed agencies, donors, private sector actors increasing policy space and support for fair and green practices
6F
# instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations
In 2021, FGG aims for 34 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2021, in 2 instances key actors adopted and/or implemented FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
In 2022, FGG aims for 16 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2022, in 2 instances key actors adopted and/or implemented FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
In 2023, FGG aims for 13 instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations aimed at assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
In 2024, FGG aims to contribute to 7 policy changes that are aimed at policy space and funding for transformative practices by governmental institutions in line with FGG recommendations to advance fair and green value chains (i.e. laws, policies being blocked, adopted or improved) for sustainable and inclusive development. These include:
Key actors such as energy sector stakeholders, universities and local government institutes will implement FGG recommendations on renewable energy-based model communities, renewable energy-based innovation, livelihood solutions and renewable energy-based capacity strengthening of community women entrepreneurs;
Key government actors (local, regional or national units) will adopt resolutions supporting agroecology in local communities in Indonesia and the Philippines;
Adoption of a public AI model for technology-enhanced learning within school systems in Southern India.
F
governments, government-backed agencies, donors, private sector actors increasing policy space and support for fair and green practices
6Fx
# of instances in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices by key actors contribute to expanding/defending civic space
Of these 34 instances, FGG aims for 25 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
We have not observed instances in which key actors adopted and/or implemented policies/practices that contributed to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
Of these 16 instances, FGG aims for 8 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
We have not observed instances in which key actors adopted and/or implemented policies/practices that contributed to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
Of these 13 instances, FGG aims for 3 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 7 instances, FGG aims for 3 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to expanding/defending civic space, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
F
governments, government-backed agencies, donors, private sector actors increasing policy space and support for fair and green practices
6Fg
# of instances in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices by key actors contribute to gender justice
Of these 34 instances, FGG aims for 29 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
We have not observed instances in which key actors adopted and/or implemented policies/practices that contributed to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
Of these 16 instances, FGG aims for 3 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
We have not observed instances in which key actors adopted and/or implemented policies/practices that contributed to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
Of these 13 instances, FGG aims for 5 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. For more information, we refer to member IATI files (i.e. ActionAid, Both ENDS, Clean Clothes Campaign, IT for Change, Milieudefensie, Friends of the Earth International, Samdhana, SOMO, Transnational Institute)
Of these 7 instances, FGG aims for 5 in which the adopted and/or implemented policies/practices contribute to gender justice, within the overarching aim of assuring that key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains.
SCS
governments, government-backed agencies, donors, private sector actors increasing policy space and support for fair and green practices
6SCS1
# of laws, policies and norms, implemented for sustainable and inclusive development
Of the targets for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 73 concern laws, policies and norms implemented for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the results for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 39 concern laws, policies and norms implemented for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the targets for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 65 concern laws, policies and norms implemented for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the results for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 65 concern laws, policies and norms implemented for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the targets for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 34 concern laws, policies and norms implemented for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the targets for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 60 concern laws, policies and norms implemented for sustainable and inclusive development. For more information on our concrete targets, we refer to the target narratives on FGG's indicator 6.
SCS
governments, government-backed agencies, donors, private sector actors increasing policy space and support for fair and green practices
6SCS2
# of laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development
Of the targets for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 71 concern laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the results for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 43 concern laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the targets for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 44 concern laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the results for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 87 concern laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development.
Of the targets for FGG’s policy and practice change indicators (6E, 6D, 6E and 6F), 31 concern laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development. For more information on our concrete targets, we refer to the target narratives on FGG's indicator 6.
Process
process
l
learning sessions organised by FGG members and partner organisations
Process
process
g
lines of work in which FGG members and partners build upon gender analysis and incorporate gender justice in their strategy
Process
process
o
the extent to and ways in which FGG involves local groups in the design and implementation of the FGG programme
SCS
-
SCS1
# of laws and policies for sustainable and inclusive development that are better implemented as a result of CSO engagement
In 2021, FGG aims for 73 laws and policies for sustainable and inclusive development to be better implemented as a result of CSO engagement
Through SCS1, the Ministry considers how many laws and policies are better implemented as a result of CSO engagement. FGG does this through its ‘6SCS1’ indicator, for which it counts the ‘practice change part’ of its generic indicator 6, in which policy and practice change results are combined. To be more precise: FGG counts the number of laws, policies and norms implemented for sustainable and inclusive development. In 2021, FGG contributed to 39 such changes in practice.
Examples of such successful practice change include:
For strand 1 – trade and investment agreements: The European Union (EU) adopted and started implementing the Country-by-Country reporting in 2021. FGG, together with Tax Justice Network Netherlands and Europe, had actively lobbied for public Country-by-Country legislation in the EU. This legislation will improve the fiscal transparency of multinational companies, which is critical in tackling tax avoidance.
For strand 3 – public financial institutions: In July 2021, the Independent Complaints Mechanism (ICM) associated with EU Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), found a complaint filed by FGG partners, involving making a Financial Intermediary (FI) eligible. This is a ground-breaking change in practice by this non-judicial grievance mechanism. Development banks are increasingly outsourcing their lending to commercial banks and other financial institutions, which then invest it onward, often with little oversight. The eligibility decision set an important precedent for communities affected by other EU DFI funding via FIs to seek accountability before the ICM upon the fulfilment of certain technical conditions. The case complaint that led to the decision alleges that EU DFIs failed to ensure that FirstRand Bank, an FI, had adequate Environmental and Social risk management systems in place to monitor its own high-risk clients and, specifically, the performance of the New Liberty Gold Mine that FirstRand financed.
For strand 4 – tenure rights: A Chinese investor in the Mubende area in central Uganda was prevented from grabbing land for a so-called ‘conservation’ project from the Nakonsonzi community. In 2012, the investor expropriated land from the communities using cruel and harsh methods, even including killing landowners and evicting others. Various Mubende district leadership bodies – such as the local government’s natural resource unit, the police, the District Local Chairman (IV), district councillors, the Local Council chairperson, and a Member of Parliament (MP) – summoned the investor to engage in a dialogue with the community threatened by this land grab. This happened after an FGG partner had presented a draft report to the Mubende leadership based on a fact-finding mission in Nakosonzi community in December 2021, which had demonstrated human rights violations, illegal evictions, destruction of property and crops, illegal arrests, and detention of the community members and the forceful expropriation of land. Following community dialogues, which confirmed the allegations and brought massive evidence of human rights violations and land grabs by the investor, the investor was summoned by the district Local Council and the MP for Mubende district to stop the evictions and to conduct an environmental impact assessment. In addition, in response to further demands by the authorities, the investor agreed to register all the tenants on the land and compensate them; second, to refrain from planting any new trees on the land prior to an environmental assessment; third, that in any further plans for lands to be sold, the Local Council Chairman should be involved in the process; and finally, the investor also agreed to collaborate on an assessment of the exact demarcations and squatters on the land. This matter became a national concern and was aired on nationwide television (NBS).
For strand 6 – rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral: the second evaluation of NCPs, carried out by OECD Watch (of which five of the eight FGG members are members), helped prompt 13 NCPs to improve their procedures or structures to better facilitate access to remedy and civil society input. Specifically: six NCPs redrafted their procedures, often improving language such as by clarifying their commitment to accepting plausible claims (18 in total) or their openness to accepting claims filed by civil society organisations (CSOs) rather than only directly affected people (20 in total); two more NCPs (17 in total now) have committed to follow up on existing agreements and recommendations; two more NCPs (38 in total) have published procedures in national languages and English; and three more NCPs (13 in total) now involve non-government stakeholders in the processing of complaints.
For strand 7 –rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives: In 2021, as a result of petitions, communiqués and media campaigns by a group of FGG-supported Ugandan CSOs, the network of community champions, youth leaders and women’s groups from the Albertine region they support, five fossil-fuel companies (Total Energies, CNOOC, Petrolières, PetroAfrik Energy, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources) that had shown interest in the second round of oil exploration in the biodiverse Albertine Graben region licensing subsequently shied away, thereby halting the project.
For strand 8 – rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector: After global pressure, the NBC Universal brand followed three other brands already producing goods in the Kanlayanee factory in Mae Sot, Thailand, and agreed to full compensation for 26 Burmese migrant workers who had been victims of wage theft. The workers received all the wages and severance legally owed to them, which amounted to more than 3.46 million Thai baht, approximately €96,000. For two years, these workers were illegally paid less than a dollar an hour, were forced to work unpaid overtime, and had their holiday pay withheld. When they spoke out to demand justice, the factory closed down; and when they demanded their legally owed wages, the workers were blacklisted. Throughout 2021, through the ‘NBC Universal #PayUp’ campaign, the FGG Alliance campaigned against NBC Universal after the other three international brands that had previously been producing goods in the Kanlayanee factory, paid the workers’ dues. Simultaneously, FGG supported the workers via its Urgent Appeals system. All four brands that produced goods in the Kanlayanee factory agreed to pay their employees in full. That means that they paid these workers not only the severance pay due after losing their jobs, but also full compensation for the minimum wage violations inflicted on them.
For strand 10 – promoting inclusive governance systems: In 2021, in various ways FGG lobbied to safeguard the participation of civil society in UN decision-making processes and policy development. In July 2021, UNCTAD agreed to allow CSO participation in the events around UNCTAD 15 be determined by self-nomination procedures rather than selection by UNCTAD. This provides more room for CSOs to determine how to best make their voice heard at these events. This decision followed joint lobby and advocacy by the wider CSO network actively engaging with UNCTAD 15, with FGG support and facilitation.
For strand 11 – cross-cutting civic space: In Indonesia, FGG’s urgent action grant for the COVID-19 response channelled through a partner CSO working in Apokayan, East Kalimantan was used to lobby at the district and national level to increase indigenous peoples’ access to COVID-19 vaccines. The partner negotiated with the National Human Rights Commission to convince the Ministry of Health to increase its allocation of vaccines to indigenous peoples. This resulted in the Ministry of Health increasing the amount of vaccines allocated to indigenous communities, not only in Apokayan but also in other remote areas like West Kalimantan, Maluku and Mentawai in Sumatra.
In FGG’s indicator framework, the indicator linked to SCS1 and SCS2 groups both policy and practice change together in the same indicator (i.e. per result area C, D, E, F # instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement). FGG policy/practice recommendations. However, in order to still be able to link to both the SCS1 and SCS2 indicator we collect disaggregated data on policy and practice change respectively. For SCS1 we measure instances in which key actors change their practices advancing fair and green value chains.
In 2022, the FGG Alliance’s work aims to contribute to 65 changes in practices for sustainable and inclusive development. This work takes place under the umbrella of four result areas, aimed at improved government policies (result area C), corporate regulation by governmental institutions (result area D), corporate conduct (result area E) and policy space and funding for transformative practices (result area F).
Result Area C
When it comes to governmental policies, the practice change FGG aims for is often focused on the implementation of international policies by national and local governments and both in the global North and South as well as by international organisations. FGG’s plans for achieving practice changes regarding international land-related policy frameworks such as the Voluntary Guidelines on the Governance of Tenure (VGGTs) and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) are a good example of this. Various FGG members, including ActionAid, Both ENDS, Samdhana and TNI will engage in work aimed at the implementation of (elements of) the VGGTs and FPIC in national or international tenure policy frameworks. As a result of FGG lobby towards various governments, including Bangladesh, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines and Uganda, we expect amongst others Kenyan government bodies at various levels to implement FPIC and the VGGTs to expand civic space and protect human and women’s rights, including in the review of the National Land Policy. In addition we expect (district) governments in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines to recognise and implement elements of the VGGTs (e.g. by issuing ordinances), leading to increased protection of communal and individual land rights, especially those of indigenous peoples. Finally, we expect civil society recommendations on the integration of the VGGTs to be incorporated in the UNCCD policy advice to combat desertification.
Result Area D
For the practice changes of governments regulating private sector actors ensuring respect for human and environmental rights in public financial flows is one of the key focuses. For example, in 2022, FGG members aim to push export credit agencies (ECA), such as ADSB, to improve their practices to ensure that human rights, the climate and the environment are protected in the projects they finance. This means amongst others to actualise the Dutch government’s commitment to stop all direct public finance for fossil fuel projects abroad by the end of 2022. Both ENDS and Milieudefensie/FoEI together with amongst others partners in Mozambique, Uganda, Togo, and Ghana will continue to advocate for the recommendations of these partners on stopping ECA support for fossil fuels to be heard and actually implemented in practice. In addition, in the Mozambique LNG project, we also aim for ADSB, the AfdB and the Dutch embassy to verify whether Total and Van Oord implement the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises. On top of divestment from fossil fuels and solid human rights due diligence, we also expect our advocacy with partners towards ADSB to lead to the implementation of a communication protocol on how they involve local communities, including women and youth, in their decision making processes. We aim to achieve these changes in practice through connecting our partners, exchanging information, jointly strategising and advocating, e.g. by raising awareness about ECA supported fossil fuel projects in Mozambique through social media.
Result Area E
In FGG’s indicator framework, practice change is not always necessarily preceded by policy change. One of the key practice changes that FGG aims for related to corporate conduct is obtaining remedy and/or other compensation for people and communities negatively affected by corporate misconduct, i.e. who have been subjected to rights violations by corporations. In 2022, FGG members including ActionAid, Both ENDS, and Clean Clothes Campaign will continue to pursue corporate accountability in grievance cases where the rights of people or communities have been violated by corporations, through complaint mechanisms, urgent appeal cases or strategic litigation. ActionAid and partners in Bangladesh, Guatemala, Kenya, and Uganda will continue to strengthen the capacities of communities affected by land grabs and displacement linked to large scale investments, to be able to understand land rights, and to be able to advocate for these rights to be respected and obtain remedy from corporations where injustice has been done. In cases where land rights have been violated, ActionAid and partners will provide legal aid and pursue Public Interest Litigation trajectories, amongst other things. ActionAid aims for mining and natural stones firms and other private actors in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda, to improve their compensation for communities after land grabbing and respect the rights, including the right to freedom of expression, of (E)HRDs who challenge these land grabs. In addition, Both ENDS and partners will lobby for and expect to achieve stronger compliance, stricter sanctions and remedy by RSPO members through RSPO related grievance and conflict resolution mechanisms. Clean Clothes Campaign will engage in a number of Urgent Appeal cases, regarding wage theft, severance pay, factory closures, and freedom of association of garment workers. We expect brands and suppliers to provide remedy in 5 such cases. For example, in Myanmar, we aim for Myo Aye and/or other political prisoners to be released from prison through active lobby by CCC towards brands, the Dutch Embassy, and MSIs.
Result Area F
For the practice changes related to transformative practices, FGG measures the instances in which key actors have taken concrete steps showing that they have increased policy space and funding for transformative practices (i.e. systemic alternatives/FGG solutions). One of the changes in practice that we aim for in 2022 is increased policy space and funding for agroecology. Agroecology – applying ecological principles to agricultural systems – is one of the key alternatives that FGG (AA, BE, MD/FoEI, Samdhana, and TNI) promotes as a sustainable alternative to large scale industrial agriculture. We see this as a way to combat the pressing challenges to which industrial agriculture contributes, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation, the effects of which are mostly felt in the Global South. Agroecology promotion will be a key element of just agriculture & food transitions, of a feminist economy and of climate justice. The agendas for inclusive land governance and transition towards inclusive and sustainable local food systems as well as climate resilience for communities and women are highly intertwined. Agroecology is an inherently feminist alternative as it explicitly relates to female autonomy and the construction of spaces of equal participation between men and women. While much of FGG’s work on agroecology will be on the level of agenda setting, in some cases we already expect key actors to change their practices in 2022. We aim for 4 instances in which county governments in Kenya, change their practices by increasing funding and promoting resilience building initiatives such as agroecology.
Through SCS1, the Ministry counts the number of laws and policies that are better implemented as a result of CSO engagement. FGG counts this through its ‘6SCS1’ indicator, for which it counts the ‘practice change part’ of its generic indicator 6 in which policy and practice change results are combined. To be more precise: FGG counts the number of laws, policies and norms, implemented for sustainable and inclusive development. In 2022, FGG contributed to 65 of such changes in practice.
Examples of such successful practice change include:
For strand 1 - Trade and investment agreements – Result area C: In July 2022, the EU commission released new Operating guidelines for the Single Entry Point and complaints mechanism that are implementing and clarifying the procedures for civil society and Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) to lodge complaints on violations of sustainability commitments in EU trade agreements. Based on earlier criticism by FGG members and partners, it is now introducing specific timelines that the Commission will follow as general rule to treat complaints related to obligations in the chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development complaints.
For strand 2 - climate and environmental policies – Result area C: In 2021 and 2022, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) developed the FAO Technical Guide on the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for the responsible Governance of Tenure of land, fisheries and forests (VGGTs) in the context of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) with the aim that national governments and CSOs can use this guide for inclusive land governance. FGG members and partners from among other countries Peru, South Africa and Iran actively engaged, through coordinated action, with FAO on the development of this Technical Guide. In May 2022, the UNCCD 15th Conference of the Parties (UNCCD COP 15) adopted the Technical Guide, which therefore is added to the toolkit for national governments and other actors for the implementation of Land Degradation Neutrality.
For strand 3 – Policies on tenure – Result area C: In Kilifi, Kenya, in response to advocacy work by community members supported by an FGG partner, the National Land Commission officially handed over 9,000 acres of land in Marereni for the settlement of approximately 800 households. The land had originally been left out of the Community Land Register, which was set up under the 2016 Community Land Law to formally designate portions of land as community land. The FGG partner facilitated a meeting with the community and adjudication officers from the county, and called on the Country Government of Kilifi, the Ministry of Land and the National Land Commission to ensure registration of the land as community land and speed up the procedure. After a few months, the National Land Commission wrote to the county government returning the lands back to the community.
For strand 4 – Public financial institutions – Result area D: A major Japanese cooperation agency has withdrawn its investment from a planned mega coal power plant project. Since 2016, an FGG partner from Bangladesh, together with local, national and international civil society actors has been campaigning consistently on the negative impact of the project to the people, environment and climate, including direct advocacy to the investors to stop the funding. In addition to withdrawing the investment, the cooperation agency and one of their main contractors have given their commitment not to invest in any other foreign coal projects. This is a considerable win for the communities in the direct vicinity of the power plant areas, as well as for the broader fight against climate change.
For strand 6 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector – Result areas D & E: In Zimbabwe, despite very limited civic space, FGG partners organised trainings and workshops to strengthen capacities of environmental and human rights defenders and paralegals to support them in accessing justice in relation to an open pit mine. Based on their strengthened capacities, the defenders and paralegals successfully secured remedy for two families who were relocated for a granite mine.
For strand 7 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector – Result areas D & E: In the largest case of severance theft ever at an individual garment factory, and the largest case victory to date, Victoria's Secret provided $8.3 million (281 million baht) to 1,250 Thai workers who lost their jobs without receiving their legally-owed severance after the factory suddenly closed. FGG Alliance members and partners coordinated protest actions around the world on Valentine's Day to show solidarity with the workers. In March, the #PayYourWorkers campaign launched a website and the hashtag #VictoriasDirtySecret, exposing Victoria's Secret's behaviour towards the workers.
For strand 8 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector – Result areas D & E: FGG engaged with the UNESCO's effort to formulate a set of ‘Guidelines for Regulating Digital Platforms’ to safeguard freedom of expression and access to information in 2022. The revised draft of the guidelines has incorporated FGG’s inputs, including recognising the impact of both platform content moderation and curation functions on freedom of speech and access to information, and makes a stronger reference to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to hold digital platforms accountable. These recommendations directly address key issues with respect to meaningful access to civic space in the online public sphere and emphasise stronger responsibilities on platform providers to guarantee a safe and violence-free communicative space for women and gender minorities.
For strand 10 – Fair and green systems: water, energy and other public goods and services – Result Area F: The Indian Ministry of Agriculture is working on reshaping India’s IDEA initiative for agriculture, a digital ecosystem. FGG has supported this process by providing solicited inputs on economic aspects of data governance, community-centric and social justice-oriented frameworks for the governance of agricultural data towards fairer value chains in the sector, and the promotion of public goods framework. FGG’s solicited inputs fed into the ministry’s ongoing efforts at building an Agristack data exchange, a federal digital infrastructure initiative, which seeks to bring together various data on agriculture and create a public data commons for economic actors in the agricultural value chain and aid farmers, public agencies and innovators to access valuable data on agriculture.
In FGG’s indicator framework, the single indicator linked to SCS1 and SCS2 counts both policy and practice change (i.e. indicator 6: per result area C, D, E, F # instances in which key actors adopt and/or implement FGG policy/practice recommendations). To still be able to link to both the SCS 1 and SCS 2 indicators we collect disaggregated data on policy and practice change respectively. For SCS 1 we measure instances in which key actors change their practices advancing fair and green value chains.
In 2023, the FGG Alliance’s work aims to contribute to 34 changes in practices for sustainable and inclusive development. This work takes place under the umbrella of four result areas, aimed at improved government policies (result area C), corporate regulation by governmental institutions (result area D), corporate conduct (result area E) and policy space and funding for transformative practices (result area F). More specifically, in 2023 we aim for a variety of changes in practice, including the following, categorised per FGG outcome area:
C – Under outcome area C, FGG aims for governments to act to improve protection for human rights and environmental sustainability in trade and investment agreements, and policies that affect trade arrangements. One example of a change in practice that we’re aiming for in 2023, is:
• Better enforcement of the rule of law by a Nigerian district government to stop illegal logging.
D - Under outcome area D, FGG aims for governments to act to regulate private sector actors – especially corporations and including financiers/banks – to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability. In 2023, we aim for governments to change their practices, to:
• Divest of public financial flows (including the Dutch ECA) from fossil fuel projects.
• Provide compensation for local communities negatively affected by publicly financed corporate projects.
• Improve compliance of public financial institutions with the OECD guidelines.
• Adequately implement the Digital Markets Act.
E - Under outcome area E, FGG aims for corporations and other private sector actors (including financiers/banks) to act to respect human rights, women’s rights and environmental sustainability in their value chains. In 2023, we want them to take concrete steps to:
• Improve the structural involvement of civil society in companies’ corporate accountability processes and decision-making spaces.
• Provide remedy in cases of wage theft, severance pay, freedom association etcetera in the garment sector.
• Improve the disclosure (e.g. by publishing wage data) and supply chain transparency (e.g. by publishing a roadmap to get there) of garment companies.
F - Under outcome area F, FGG aims for key actors (governments, government-backed institutions, private funders/investors) to increase space and support for fair and green trade and value chains. We aim for the following changes in the practices of these actors, in 2023:
• Increased structural financial support for agroecological initiatives and community enterprises (‘Indigenous People-led Corporations’) in among other countries Indonesia and the Philippines.
• Concrete measures taken by the UN Commission on World Food Security and relevant national governments to ensure democratic global and national governance on food security and nutrition, thereby advancing environmental, social, economic, climate and gender justice.
• Improvement of the Global Biodiversity Framework, by the UN Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, including by adopting indicators that reflect progressive views on (gender) justice, equity and sustainability.
In 2024, FGG aims for 60 laws and policies for sustainable and inclusive development to be better implemented as a result of CSO engagement. For more information on our concrete targets, we refer to the target narratives on FGG's indicator 6.
SCS
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SCS2
# of laws, policies blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement.
In 2021, FGG aims for 71 laws and policies to be blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement.
Through its SCS indicator 2, the Ministry considers the number of laws and policies that are blocked, adopted, or improved as a result of CSO engagement. FGG counts these through its ‘6SCS2’ indicator, for which it considers the ‘policy change part’ of its generic indicator 6, in which policy and practice change results are combined. More specifically, FGG considers the number of laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development. In 2021, FGG contributed to 43 changes in policy.
Examples of such successful policy change include:
For strand 1 – trade and investment agreements: The government of an Asian upper-middle-income country (UMIC) imposed conditions allowing only imports of clean and homogeneous plastic waste in order to ensure that all imported plastic is recyclable and not hazardous, as a result of years of FGG advocacy for more regulation to stop the trade in dirty plastic waste.
For strand 2 – climate and environmental policy: The Ugandan Ministry of Water and Environment incorporated comments from Ugandan CSOs, supported by FGG, into the final country’s climate change adaption plan and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to climate change. It adopted a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels and recommitted to promoting clean energy in Uganda, such as solar and wind.
For strand 3 – public financial institutions: The Asian Development Bank’s new policy adopted in October 2021 rules out any finance for coal projects. FGG members and Asian partners have for many years been campaigning against investments in coal projects.
For strand 4 – tenure rights: The National Government in South Africa approved a new National Freshwater (Inland) Wild Capture Fisheries’ Policy. The policy represents an important tool for small-scale fishers to defend their rights, and provides recognition for informal fishers who currently face harassment and criminalisation. It is the first time a fisheries policy has defined any kinds of fishing rights for informal subsistence fishers (previously they issued only recreational licenses), so this was a first recognition of the inland subsistence fisheries sector. Small-scale fishers engaged in many advocacy efforts aiming to shape the policy and push for its adoption, which strengthened the alliances between fishers and environmental groups and their relationship with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; the Fisheries Department, and FAO representatives who participated in meetings. FGG partners participated in the process of developing the policy. Allied organisations participated in meetings and workshops, strengthening and consolidating advocacy for human rights-based fisheries policies, including the Inland Fisheries Policy. Analysis co-developed with FGG was used in the advocacy process.
For strand 6 – rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral: The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, together with the Uganda Human Rights Commission, approved and launched the first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. This s is an important five-year plan designed to protect citizens against investors’ increasing abuse of human rights. FGG contributed to this process through the Uganda Consortium on Corporate Accountability (UCCA), a platform bringing together several CSOs that jointly advocated for the plan’s development. An FGG partner took part in various strategising and advocacy sessions organised by the Consortium, both within civil society and with the Ministry.
For strand 7 – rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives: Three Dutch investors (pension funds) announced in 2021 that they disinvested from fossil fuel producers. In the framework of the Eerlijke Geldwijzer (EGW), in September and October 2021 FGG coordinated the publication of two studies on the energy portfolios of investors, 'Climate change commitments of financial institutions active in the Netherlands' and 'Fossil fuel versus renewable financing by financial institutions active in the Netherlands', revealing that at the end of 2020, 88% or 34 billion euros of investment by Dutch banks, insurance companies and pension funds in the energy sector were still in fossil fuels. The studies include an update of EGW's energy investment studies from 2010, 2015 and 2018. One FGG member is involved in the EGW to improve the investment policies of the financial sector in line with the demands from partners around the world. FGG advocates at the Dutch and EU government levels lobbying for the legal obligation for financial institutions to report on their climate impact, and to align their portfolios with the Paris Climate Agreement 1.5°C goal.
For strand 8 – rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector: After intense lobby and advocacy efforts by a broad alliance of CSOs, including FGG, a new International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry was finally announced on the 25 August 2021. This Accord was a continuation of the unique Bangladesh Accord, which expired in August 2021. On 1 September the new Accord took effect, with 77 signatories. By the end of the year, this had increased to 155. An important feature of the new Accord is that it is international and will be expanded to at least one other country in the next two years. In the months leading up to this development FGG undertook various campaigning activities aimed at harnessing public and political support for a new Accord, including contributing to a report by the Accord witness signatories; intensively engaging with the Dutch signatories and other relevant stakeholders such as MSIs, academics and investors, before the deadline for extension of the Accord; profiling 12 brands on outstanding issues, while stressing the need to continue Accord’s work; and (social) media work resulting in news items (radio, television and the press). To gain political support FGG engaged with policy-makers at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy in Bangladesh and several Dutch politicians. In response to parliamentary questions, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Sigrid Kaag, underlined the importance of the components of the Accord that have been key to its success (legally binding nature, accountability of brands) and also stressed the importance of using the lessons learned in other producing countries, which was a strong signal to brands to reach a renewed agreement with the unions. FGG was also part of a network that engaged with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), harnessing their support for a new Accord. This resulted in a cross-party group of European legislators to offer public support for efforts to extend and expand the Bangladesh Accord: in a joint letter to garment brands, 62 MEPs highlighted that ‘now is not the time to back away from the great work you and trade unions did together’.
For strand 9 – rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector: Meta (formerly Facebook) made a U-turn on a critical change to its data privacy policy regarding WhatsApp, which in effect would have given Facebook unparalleled control over users’ data and compromised the privacy of millions who use the app. FGG was part of a global campaign, Save WhatsApp, which worked with civil society and raised public awareness on the issue.
For strand 10 – promoting inclusive governance systems: In 2021, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the ‘Reversing the Flow’ programme, focused on increasing communities’ water security and resilience, supporting them to adapt to climate change. Key to this programme is the fact that it is led by local communities, a feature that was strongly informed by FGG recommendations on the programme structure and goals: FGG advocacy for more inclusive programming and small grants funding to grassroots organisations contributed to a programme that supports local CSOs to shift power to grassroots organisations within the context of landscape management, and focuses on the accessibility of Dutch funding for grassroots organisations.
For strand 11 – cross-cutting civic space: FGG lobbied the RSPO Board to ensure independence of the RSPO Complaints Panel. The RSPO Board adopted our proposal to reposition the RSPO Complaints Desk, which now no longer resides under the Assurance Department but is under the CEO’s direct line managed. This will help guarantee a strict division of tasks within the RSPO, whereby the Complaints Desk and the Secretariat units responsible for the domain of certification are separated – thereby also creating more guarantees for the confidentiality of whistle-blowers and (women) environmental and human rights defenders.
In 2022, FGG aims for 44 laws and policies to be blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement.
Through its SCS indicator 2, the Ministry counts the number of laws and policies that are blocked, adopted, improved as a result of CSO engagement. FGG counts this through its ‘6SCS2’ indicator, for which it counts the ‘policy change part’ of its generic indicator 6 in which policy and practice change results are combined. More specifically, FGG counts the number of laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development. In 2022, FGG contributed to 87 changes in policy.
Examples of such successful policy change include:
For stand 1 – Trade and investment agreements – Result area C: FGG contributed to increased awareness about the ECT and its impact on the Global South by engaging the media, organising public debates (including a roundtable with Members of Parliament in the Netherlands) and petitions, publishing joint publications, organising workshops, developing legal analyses and policy papers, and other advocacy activities targeting decision-makers at EU level and in member states. Thanks to the successful campaigning and advocacy efforts of FGG members and allies, governments in the Netherlands and six other EU member states (Poland, Spain, France, Germany, Slovenia and Luxembourg) announced their intention to withdraw from the ECT due to its incompatibility with the Paris Agreement. The rejection of the ECT by European countries has opened the political space globally to explore avenues on how to move away from treaty-based investment protection and make room for alternative frameworks for investment governance that are better equipped to advance climate and energy goals.
For strand 2 – Climate and environmental policies – Result area C: In a major breakthrough at the UNFCCC COP27 in November, countries agreed to establish a Loss and Damage Fund to compensate developing countries for the irreversible impacts of climate change, a vitally important measure for people in the Global South, who suffer the most from climate change impacts. FGG members and partners have for years advocated for such a fund and raised the issue of historical responsibility, fair shares and the repayment of the climate debt. In preparation for the COP, which many FGG partners attended, FGG coordinated and engaged in mutual capacity development with partners to advocate towards their national governments for a Loss and Damage finance facility to be established. FGG supported and co-organised the Southeast Asia Regional Forum on Loss and Damage; generated media coverage in many countries (e.g. Turkey, Colombia, Nigeria, India) for the need for a Loss and Damage facility; and organised in the Netherlands a Climate Justice Summer School for young activists with the goal to lobby for the Loss and Damage Fund during the COP. Through targeted actions, including a demonstration at the Dutch Parliament before the COP, the young activists raised awareness among politicians and policymakers on the importance of the Fund, contributing to the Parliament’s first commitments on Loss and Damage.
For strand 3 – Policies on tenure – Result area C: In Mozambique, in relation to the government’s land policy review, an FGG partner facilitated rural women in developing a women’s declaration for a just and inclusive land policy. The FGG partner organised a meeting with the Minister of Land about women’s participation in the review, organised a conference involving the rural women in which the Deputy Minister of Land participated, and secured media coverage of the declaration. As a result, rural women delegates were asked to participate in the revision process, where they were able to voice their concerns. In consequence, the revised national land policy ultimately contained articles on the importance of prioritising and valuing rural peasant women in land policy and law. The policy emphasised the importance of ensuring women’s participation in decision-making, and the need for women to be involved and consulted about possible allocation of land to investors and the government. The policy recognised that women play a key role in the management of natural resources and biodiversity, and should be involved in the design of policies and laws.
For strand 4 – Public financial institutions – Result area D: In 2022, FGG partners and members monitored follow-up on the commitment – at the UN climate talks in Glasgow in 2021 – of 35 governments, including the Netherlands, and 5 public financial institutions, to stop international financial support for fossil fuel projects by the end of the year. Alliance members in the Netherlands facilitated Southern partners and CSOs to provide their expertise into the policy development process. For example, FGG supported a Ugandan partner to share their perspective on the issue via a video message during a tripartite meeting with the Dutch Minister, CSOs and private sector actors. Other FGG partners contributed to written input for the Dutch government’s consultation. In addition, FGG collaborated with others in the ECA Watch network, supported Members of Parliament with parliamentary questions, conducted joint research with partners for advocacy purposes, and mobilised the public through media and direct action. As a result, in November 2022, the Netherlands developed a policy to end all public fossil support abroad. Given the decades of resistance by governments and ECAs to stop financing fossil fuel projects, this is a major step forward. Aside from the Netherlands, eight countries and one financial institution (namely, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, New Zealand, Sweden, UK, and the European Investment Bank) also presented policies that limit public finance for fossil fuels.
For strand 5 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral – Result areas D & E: In September 2022, the Dutch government has published its new National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights 2022-2026. The plan clearly outlines action points for the responsible ministries, including a number of new actions to improve access to remedy for victims of corporate-related human rights abuses. The MVO Platform, in which several FGG members are a member, has provided input into the update of this National Action Plan.
For strand 6 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector – Result areas D & E: an FGG partner from the Philippines actively lobbied with government agencies and representatives against an agribusiness company that recently established a 195-hectare banana plantation within their ancestral domain without respecting FPIC. As a result of the partner’s efforts, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) visited the community and subsequently sanctioned its regional office to follow through the case filed by the community. Parallel to this, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' environmental management bureau organised a dialogue between the community and the agribusiness company, and penalised the latter for violations against the environmental code and the Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
For strand 7 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector – Result areas D & E: The FGG campaign for the expansion of the International Accord for Health and Safety in Bangladesh resulted in more than 27 additional garment brands signing the International Accord.
For strand 8 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector – Result areas D & E: The FGG Alliance raised awareness about and advocated for text (related to mergers) to be included in the proposed Digital Markets Act in advocacy meetings involving representatives of the governments of Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Estonia, Denmark and France. In addition, the Alliance conducted a mini social media campaign targeting key officials and parliamentarians and the Digital Markets Act rapporteur for the European Parliament. In March 2022, the European Parliament approved the Digital Markets Act with the FGG-supported text.
For strand 10 – Fair and green systems: water, energy and other public goods and services – Result Area F: Drinking water will remain exempt from EU Concession Directive, therefore defending the right to water and protecting the water sector in the EU from the liberalisation that other public sectors have been exposed to. At the EU level, virtually every other public service has been exposed to increased pressures to liberalise public services. The fact that water has remained exempt means that public pressure has pushed EU bodies to respect water as a human right. FGG members and partners have been advocating for this for years.
For SCS 2, FGG counts instances of key actors adopting or blocking policy changes in line with FGG recommendations to advance fair and green value chains. In 2023, the FGG Alliance’s work under the umbrella of four result areas, aimed at improved government policies (result area C), corporate regulation by government institutions (result area D), corporate conduct (result area E) and policy space and funding for transformative practices (result area F) aims to contribute to 40 policy changes (i.e. laws, policies being blocked, adopted or improved) for sustainable and inclusive development. These include, per FGG outcome area:
C – On trade, investment and tax agreements and trade arrangements:
• Adoption of government policies to increase the involvement of CSOs and communities in decision-making processes, e.g. on land and forest management in Nigeria.
• Adoption of government policies and policies of multilateral institutions to increase protection of communal and individual land and sea rights.
• Adoption of digital trade policies that respect human rights, recognize meaningful integration of women in global e-commerce and/or preserve the data sovereignty of the global south.
• Refusal of governments to join the Energy Charter Treaty, as the agreement undermines the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement.
D – On rules for business:
• Strengthening of the Dutch international CSR proposal law in terms of among other things company scope, access to remedy and stakeholder engagement.
• Improved CSR policies of public financial institutions, including the Dutch development bank and ADSB.
• Revision of the OECD Guidelines to improve both the Guidelines' standards on responsible business conduct and National Contact Points for the OECD Guidelines (NCPs) functioning to improve access to remedy via NCPs.
• Adoption of policies on digital economy regulation, that set effective limits on corporate power, dissuade monopoly trends, improve corporate conduct, and/or contribute to ending data concentration in the digital economy.
• Improved regulation of sisal, sugar and salt firms in Kenya, to assure improved and gender-responsive working conditions, including fair pay.
E – On corporate conduct:
• Inclusion of women and labourers’ voices and rights in corporate accountability mechanisms (e.g. in India, the Philippines, Indonesia and Uganda).
• Improved Fair Wear Foundation policy on due diligence and/or transparency.
F – On policy space and financial support for fair and green trade and value chains:
• Adoption of financial policy mechanisms (by the Dutch government and the Global Environment Facility) that enhance the financial space for agroecology and decision-making capacities of women for sustainable and inclusive land-related practices.
• Adoption of enabling national digital infrastructure policies and digital public goods on the digital economy in India, with respect to health, education and/or agriculture.
In 2021, FGG aims for 31 laws and policies to be blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement. For more information on our concrete targets, we refer to the target narratives on FGG's indicator 6.
SCS
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SCS3
# of times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or creating space to engage.
In 2021, FGG aims for 496 times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or creating space to engage.
For SCS3, the Ministry counts instances in which CSOs have set the agenda, influenced the debate and/or created space to engage. FGG uses two indicators that each cover part of this indicator and move slightly beyond: for FGG indicator 4, FGG counts the number of key actors who put FGG recommendations on their agendas, e.g. by proactively organising meetings, initiating debates, and covering these recommendations in media; for FGG indicator 5, FGG counts the number of key actors who support and/or promote FGG’s recommendations. Both indicators require key actors to have adopted a proactive attitude in order to be counted; while indicator 4 shows actors’ willingness to discuss a particular recommendation, indicator 5 shows their actual support for it. In 2021, 183 key actors put FGG recommendations on their agendas and 176 supported or promoted them, totalling a count of 360 on SCS3.
Examples of such successful agenda-setting and generating support include:
For strand 1 – trade and investment agreements: In a Just Transition, Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) would not hamper governments’ ability to regulate in the public interest. Unfortunately, most BITs and the ECT contain an Investor-to-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism that do just that: they grant investors the right to sue governments that make policies that have a negative effect on the interests of foreign investors. In 2021 several East African FGG partners and FGG members mutually strengthened their knowledge on BITs and on the ECT, strategised together and jointly advocated against harmful (ISDS) clauses in several East African BITs and against their countries accessing the ECT. FGG partners from Tanzania and Uganda organised a virtual workshop to strengthen their knowledge on harmful clauses included in BITs. Partners then used their strengthened knowledge to lobby and advocate for stopping and/or renegotiating current BITs. In Tanzania, FGG partners shared recommendations on BITs that are about to expire with trade policy advisors to the Tanzanian President. In December 2021 these advisors committed to reviewing current BITs signed by Tanzania, to assess whether they need to be stopped or renegotiated. Partners from Tanzania and Uganda organised a workshop and advised policy-makers in Burundi to stop current BITs with harmful ISDS clauses. During the workshop the policy-makers from Burundi made a commitment to review all current BITs for the possibility of ceasing or renegotiating the treaties. In Tanzania partners also held several meetings with the Ministry of Energy on the potential risks to the energy transition of entering the ECT. At the European level, FGG members’ advocacy on the role of the ECT in blocking a Just Energy Transition led to an ECT modernization process at the level of EU member states and the ECT secretariat during 2021, of which the result will be published in June 2022.
For strand 2 – climate and environmental policy: Two government parties (from Bolivia and Chile) expressed their support for six different text recommendations that FGG and the CBD Alliance put forward at the third meeting on the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The recommendations were aimed at improving the framework with respect to agriculture, agricultural ecosystems, agricultural biodiversity and soil health needs, the vital importance of IPLC's rights and tenure systems as well as the need to end perverse incentives and subsidies for industrial agriculture that facilitate the direct and indirect causes of biodiversity loss including soils. Furthermore, the CBD Alliance, in which FGG is active, recommended the establishment of ‘[government] regulations for all businesses, trade and investment, prohibiting impacts that pass the limits of planetary boundaries, or affect ecosystem functions and human health or abuse human rights, ensuring full transparency of business impacts, addressing conflicts of interest, ensuring liability and redress, and penalising infractions and the provision of false information about ecological and human rights impacts or the benefits of products’.
For strand 3 – public financial institutions: During the 2021 UN Conference of the Parties (COP) in Glasgow, the Dutch government committed to stopping all fossil-fuel subsidies before the end of 2022, including those channelled through Export Credit Agencies. The FGG Alliance has been advocating for this for years, and intensified its work in 2021 in preparation for the COP, through an integral campaign building upon the momentum on climate change. Notably, the contribution of FGG and its partner Oil Change International to the eventual success of the Netherlands committing to the ‘Glasgow Statement’ was recognised by media and politicians.
For strand 4 – tenure rights: In 2021, FGG partners managed to bring their work to the attention of various government officials and convinced them to express their support for indigenous peoples’ land rights. A farmers’ union in Mukomuko Regency in Bengkulu, Indonesia developed their land-parcel maps and land-management plan, and prepared a policy brief on the Land Redistribution of Agrarian Reform Objects, as evidence to support their efforts to reclaim their cultivated land through the country’s agrarian reform programme. The farmers submitted these documents to the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency. The Governor of Bengkulu issued a letter to the Regent of Mukomuko recommending to immediately establish an Agrarian Reform Task Force in Mukomuko district; and to immediately resolve the land-use rights conflict of between the farmers and a palm-oil company.
For strand 5 – agroecology: The UN Special Envoy to the UNFSS Agnes Kalibata called for wider support for agroecology and small-scale farmers, and greater recognition of indigenous knowledge. This represented a significant shift in her rhetoric/discourse between her pre-summit and summit communications. The legitimacy of the Summit was severely undermined by civil society mobilisations throughout 2021, with media attention documenting criticisms and concerns. Outrage regarding the summit and how it was organised energised a counter movement in which FGG members and partners were actively involved, including a boycott of the official summit and a counter-summit held in July before the pre-summit; meetings with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food and a subsequent strong statement from them; statements; strategy meetings; a critical letter from academics; withdrawal of support by the expert body IPES-Food; discussion with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the summit; op-eds and articles in the mainstream media including outlets NRC and The Guardian.
For strand 6 – rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral: The new Dutch government’s coalition agreement includes the commitment to develop national due diligence legislation, after the previous Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation published progressive building blocks for such legislation, and the Minister committed to developing such legislation at the national level. The FGG Alliance contributed to this result, which has yet to materialise, through extensive campaigning and lobbying with MVO Platform (in which five of the eight FGG members are active) and other CSOs, generating public pressure and organising a petition which was handed over to Parliament with more than 40,000 signatures.
For strand 7 – rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives: FGG worked with Peruvian indigenous leaders to convince the Dutch National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines to investigate the complaint against PlusPetrol, a multinational oil company headquartered in Amsterdam via a mailbox company. Jointly they put together a solid complaint, supported by strong evidence, making use of FGG’s knowledge about what elements the NCPs are supposed to consider in deciding on admissibility. Through a strategic campaign, including a video, media engagement and a visit by the indigenous leaders to the Netherlands to present their case and speak to Dutch legislators, FGG managed to convince the NCP to investigate the complaint. This decision gives indigenous communities in the oil fields in the Peruvian Amazon a means to seek remediation from PlusPetrol for the tainted soil and waterways that have harmed the communities’ health and way of life. For the first time, the Dutch NCP has declared admissible a complaint that not only addresses the behaviour of multinationals with regard to the environment and human rights, but also using the Dutch system for avoiding taxes.
For strand 8 – rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector: Over the year, FGG campaigned heavily for the establishment of a binding agreement with protections for workers’ right to organise and bargain collectively, that will fill the wage gap experienced by millions of workers during the pandemic, and create a Severance Guarantee Fund to ensure that garment workers receive their legally mandated severance. In March, FGG launched its #PayYourWorkers and #RespectLabourRights coalition and website with a week of global action. By the end of the year, more than 250 CSOs had endorsed the campaign worldwide, three brands and one bank (ASN) explicitly supported the campaign, and over a dozen brands committed to ensuring their workers are paid in full during the pandemic.
For strand 9 – rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector: In October 2021, the State Government of Karnataka, in southern India, announced the State Open Data Policy framework without any public consultation. FGG, with other CSOs, raised concerns about the policy in an op-ed piece – the lack of public consultation on the framework and the issue of anonymisation providing an insufficient safeguard for citizens’ privacy in data-sharing arrangements. The State Government of Karnataka agreed to revisit its Open Data Policy framework in November 2021. FGG’s op-ed1 was cited by the state’s Additional Chief Secretary e-Governance to allay civil society concerns about Big Tech capture of public datasets.
For strand 10 – promoting inclusive governance systems: In 2021, the Dutch government’s task force, which leads the organisation of the UN Water Conference in 2023, formally consulted Both ENDS on three occasions, enabling Both ENDS to share recommendations on how to organise the process and the conference itself in an inclusive manner and to ensure the meaningful participation of civil society, particularly women and young people.
For strand 11 – cross-cutting civic space: In 2021, five MPs in Uganda committed to voting for the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Bill after FGG organised a meeting with MPs and provided training on the essence of the Bill, which will help protect civic space and the freedoms of human rights defenders across the country.
In 2022, FGG aims for 327 times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or creating space to engage.
For SCS3, the Ministry counts instances in which CSOs have set the agenda, influenced the debate and/or created space to engage. FGG uses two indicators that each cover part of this indicator and move slightly beyond: for FGG indicator 4, FGG counts the number of key actors who put FGG recommendations on their agendas, e.g. by proactively organising meetings, initiating debates, and covering these recommendations in media; for FGG indicator 5, FGG counts the number of key actors who support and/or promote FGG’s recommendations. Both indicators require a proactive attitude from the key actors counted; and where indicator 4 shows actors’ willingness to discuss a particular recommendation; indicator 5 shows their actual support for it. In 2022, 299 key actors put FGG recommendations on their agendas and 126 actually supported or promoted them, amounting to a count of 425 on SCS3.
Examples of such successful agenda-setting and generating of support include:
For stand 1 – Trade and investment agreements – Result area C: FGG members continued to facilitate and engage in intense collaboration with Latin American partners to raise media attention and highlight the detrimental impacts that would result from the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, including further deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and violation of Indigenous peoples’ rights. FGG organised a speaker tour with representatives of Brazilian civil society organisations, who visited five European countries and met with MEPs and EC officials to discuss the expected harmful impacts of the trade deal. In November, there was growing concern that the EC might attempt to speed up the ratification of the deal by splitting the trade provisions of the deal from other political provisions, which would have meant that the trade deal could be adopted without consensus among EU governments, without democratic debate and public scrutiny from national parliaments, and without references to human rights and the environment. In response, FGG members and partners co-organised an open statement involving 200+ civil society organisations from Europe and Latin America calling on EU decision-makers to preserve democratic scrutiny of trade agreements and oppose the EC’s effort to circumvent opposition. Our efforts were successful, and we continue to hold the line against this destructive trade agreement. Meanwhile, FGG Alliance partners have contributed to significant results in Brazil, where advocacy toward politicians resulted in the inclusion of the EU-Mercosur FTA in the national election agenda and support of the new President for renegotiation of the agreement. The new President consulted the FGG partner for input on the new government’s Trade and Economic and Social Justice Transition team and agenda.
For strand 2 – Climate and environmental policies – Result area C: In Colombia, the government is now supporting a ban on new exploration and exploitation through fracking, and an anti-fracking bill developed by a civil society alliance has gained broad support in Congress. This is a huge step forward in stopping new fracking projects and will increase the possibility of revisiting existing contracts. An FGG partner is part of the civil society alliance that influenced the government’s agenda (prior to the election) and worked on the anti-fracking bill.
For strand 3 – Policies on tenure – Result area C: In West Kalimantan, Indonesia, a local consortium of Indigenous organisations supported the Dayak Bekati Indigenous community, which faces a proposed industrial township transmigration scheme that would take over about 80% of their lands without consultation or consent. To defend their rights, the Dayak Bekati Indigenous women and youth representatives did a participatory mapping of five of their territories, and pushed for recognition of these territories in the context of the new township registration. Their demands were discussed during a dialogue meeting with the provincial authorities and legislature, and with key national government authorities. The parties to this dialogue formally adopted the minutes of the meeting, which serve as a tentative memorandum of understanding and made government officers aware of the real situation on the ground.
For strand 4 – Public financial institutions – Result area D: In July 2022, as a result of long-term advocacy by the FGG Alliance, the Dutch development bank, FMO, committed to various recommendations made by FGG. These commitments include: a roadmap to improve their Environmental, Social and governance (ESG) Transparency and Disclosure; publishing their Climate Action Plan, including more ambitious steps towards Paris Alignment; and publishing a Position Statement on Impact and ESG for Financial Intermediaries. While the commitments and published policies are not (yet) sufficient, they represent positive and necessary steps in the right direction.
For strand 5 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral – Result areas D & E: In the Netherlands, the FGG Alliance has for years advocated for mandatory human rights due diligence legislation to ensure that companies respect human rights and the environment in their supply chains. FGG members have helped build a strong coalition of support, with over 65 companies and 60 civil society organisations now involved in the Sustainable and Responsible Business Conduct Initiative (IDVO.org) organised by MVO Platform, which includes several FGG members. In 2021, the new Dutch government committed to adopting national due diligence legislation. In October 2022, six political parties submitted their legislative proposal in Parliament, the ‘Bill on Responsible and Sustainable International Business Conduct’. FGG Alliance members provided textual inputs into the legislative proposal, including on gendered impacts of corporate misconduct, climate change, and access to justice.
For strand 6 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector – Result areas D & E: In South Africa, FGG partners, together with FGG members, published the 2021 report, Manganese Matters, detailing human rights violations in the manganese supply chain in South Africa and calling for improvements. In 2022, in response to the report, a Dutch steel company supported recommendations from the report. The company and an FGG member had several conversations about the report and its recommendations. After the Dutch company identified its biggest suppliers and companies in its manganese supply chain, they initiated an interactive exchange with them and two FGG partners to learn about the local realities, especially for women, in mining communities, and to jointly discuss the need for gender-responsive due diligence. In the meanwhile, collaboration on the basis of the report, between FGG members and South African partners, has continued, to jointly identify possible pathways for affected communities to seek remedy.
For strand 7 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector – Result areas D & E: In July 2022, FGG members worked with Myanmar partners to publish an analysis of their experience filing a complaint against a company with the Complaints and Disputes Committee of the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT). In reaction, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited FGG to discuss its findings and recommendations with them and the Social and Economic Council (SER). During this meeting policymakers committed to take up the recommendation to include an effective, dialogue-based, non-judicial grievance mechanism to enable remedy in cases where harm has occurred in the further development of legislation on due diligence for responsible business conduct. This point was also taken up in the negotiations of the successor of the AGT (‘Next Generation Agreement’): the involved parties (private sector actors, trade unions, civil society) agreed in to include it in the draft text of the ‘Next Generation Agreement’.
For strand 8 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector – Result areas D & E: In India, FGG engaged with and provided inputs and feedback to a report and policy brief developed by NITI Aayog, a Government of India think tank and critical policy actor in India. During a consultation co-organised by an FGG member and NITI Aayog, key researchers, organisers and activists working towards labour rights of gig and platform workers discussed the report with NITI Aayog representatives and presented them with key recommendations for policies for protecting rights of workers in this sector, as well as specific critique of the report. They also shared these recommendations in written form after the consultation workshop. Following this engagement, NITI Aayog expressed a commitment to engage with FGG and its partners, especially workers’ rights groups, on policymaking for gig and workers’ rights groups.
For strand 9 – Fair and green systems: agroecology – Result Area F: The FGG Alliance engaged with Dutch ministries on the topic of food security throughout the year, including at two sessions organised by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on the Dutch role in response to the global food crisis. During the meeting, several FGG recommendations were discussed, including the importance of resilient food systems and ensuring that financial support ends up in the hands of those who need it most, namely local farmers and communities. Parliament passed a motion asking for a plan of action for global food security in response to the food crisis. In December 2022, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the action plan (‘stappenplan’) with Parliament. The action plan is a step in the right direction in that it emphasises the importance of resilient and local food systems, and recognises for the first time that current food production methods and consumption patterns in the Netherlands and the West exceed ecological limits and threaten food security.
For strand 10 – Fair and green systems: water, energy and other public goods and services – Result Area F: The 2022 UN Secretary General and UN Habitat World Cities Report acknowledged remunicipalisation as a viable/legitimate policy option in the context of privatisation, meeting social & environmental justice ambitions. The FGG Alliance has been advocating for this framing for years, since UN institutions and actors have been implicitly or explicitly pushing privatisation and PPPs as the primary mode of international development for decades. This acknowledgement, therefore, reflects a shift in their prevailing discourse.
Contributing to the ability of CSOs to create space for CSO demands and positions is key to the FGG programme. For this SCS indicator, FGG monitors how many times key actors proactively put an FGG recommendation on their agenda and how many times they actively support and promote an FGG recommendation. In 2023, we aim for 339 times in which FGG manages to set the agenda and gain the support of key actors by influencing the debate and creating space to engage.
FGG’s aim for 2023 is to set agendas on and/or gain support for, among other things, the following, categorised per FGG outcome area:
C – On trade, investment and tax agreements and trade arrangements:
• Improvement or termination of existing and high standards for or avoidance of new trade and investment agreements (incl. BITs, IIAs, and EU FTAs such as EU-Mercosur), to assure that international trade and investment are fair and green.
• Implementation of the Basel Convention’s annex on trade in plastic waste.
• Inclusive land governance, including improved policies related to women’s and indigenous peoples’/ local communities’ land rights, implementation of the VGGTs, and participatory land use planning,
• Protection of wetland environments.
• Reconstitution of the Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative by the NCIP in the Philippines.
• Countering false solutions to climate change, including carbon markets, net zero and ‘nature-based solutions’.
• Fairer tax rules, including to prevent tax avoidance.
• Improved governance of data, platforms and AI.
• Better regulatory capacity of developing countries in the digital economy, including by revising digital trade chapters in FTAs.
D – On rules for business:
• Policies related to gender-sensitive, binding rules for businesses, including the European Parliament’s Corporate Sustainable Due Diligence Directive and the Dutch international CSR policy.
• A feminist UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights.
• Improved governing of corporate conduct and businesses in specific sectors, including the garment industry and the digital economy, e.g. in India.
• The risks of Big Tech mergers and the growing monopolistic power of tech companies in for instance public healthcare systems.
• The need for continued mediations or negotiations to reclaim the land of indigenous peoples and local communities in Indonesia and the Philippines, that was occupied by companies.
• Divestment from fossil fuels and limiting the influence of the fossil fuel industry on governmental policy development processes relevant for the climate.
E – On corporate conduct:
• Improved corporate accountability processes and stronger compliance mechanisms for companies active in the palm oil sector.
• Increased attention for the violation of women’s rights in business activities, such as on and around palm oil plantations, and the effects of displacement and changing land use systems for the position and workload of local women.
• The implementation of the Pakistan Accord and the renewal of the International Accord Agreement.
F – On policy space and financial support for fair and green trade and value chains:
• Financial support for inclusive and sustainable water management and spatial planning.
• Financial support for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development (e.g. agroecology), built upon gender justice analyses.
• Increased support among policymakers at local and national level and in multilateral institutions for the adequate provision of public services, including public energy and gender-just water provision.
• Improved national digital infrastructure policies, likely pertaining to the areas of health, agriculture, education and/or finance in India.
• An enabling environment for Indigenous People and/or local community-led renewable energy enterprises.
In 2024, FGG aims for 307 times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or creating space to engage.For more information on our concrete targets, we refer to the target narratives on FGG's indicators 4 and 5.
SCS
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SCS4
# of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency.
In 2021, FGG aims for 563 advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency.
For SCS 4, the Ministry counts the number of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency. FGG’s third indicator largely corresponds to this indicator: FGG counts the number of civil society actors that have engaged in lobbying and advocacy work, using their strengthened capacities. As such, FGG’s indicator is stricter, counting CSOs that have carried out at least one and possibly many advocacy initiatives, and only if they have used strengthened capacities, i.e. not just any CSO engaging in lobby and advocacy. In 2021, in the FGG programme, 274 civil society actors have engaged in lobbying and advocacy work, based on capacities strengthened through the FGG programme.
Examples of such advocacy initiatives include:
For strand 1 – trade and investment agreements: Two CSOs in Tunisia and Indonesia deepened their understanding and analysis of the digital trade chapters in their respective country’s proposed FTAs with the EU and incorporated this in their advocacy against the FTAs. FGG supported their analysis with technical expertise.
For strand 2 – climate and environmental policy: After joint strategising and knowledge exchange within FGG, a Kenyan CSO network in Kitui was able to open discussions with the County Government. The network requested the implementation of the County Climate Fund, which the County Government agreed to do. The government also agreed to decentralise the fund, and initiated pilots in six local wards. Finally, after the discussion with the FGG-supported CSO network, the government agreed to develop a Climate Change policy, and asked FGG partners to take a lead role in drafting a County Climate Change Policy to help them better manage climate justice interventions. This is particularly important because Kitui is among the areas in Kenya most affected by climate change and has been dealing with droughts and famine over the past two years. This has affected poor communities in particular, as well as families dependent on livestock-raising and subsistence farming.
For strand 3 – public financial institutions: In 2021, FGG continued to raise awareness about the Sendou project in Senegal, co-funded by FMO and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Sendou coal power station is located right next to the fishing village of Bargny. The project has caused water pollution and a loss of income for the more than 1,000 women who live off the drying and packaging of fish. Three partners from Senegal used their strengthened knowledge of networking and access to decision-making spaces to meet with MPs, and to organise outreach activities to urge FMO and the AfDB to remediate the harm done. In doing so they paid specific attention to gender justice by including sex-disaggregated impact studies. As a result of the awareness-raising efforts in 2021 a Senegalese MP visited the Sendou project, showing a specific interest in the impacts of the project on women.
For strand 4 – tenure rights: The Swedish Ambassador for Oceans, executive director of the Blue Action Fund, and officials from SwedBio (a branch of SIDA which provides funding on oceans and fisheries) discussed the impacts of ocean grabbing, ocean economy and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) with small-scale fishers’ organisations. It was the first time these officials had discussed these issues with these organisations. As a result of the meeting, those involved became aware of FGG’s lobbying efforts on the Blue Action Fund, and of small-scale fishers’ concerns about MPAs and other policy initiatives supported by the Fund.
For strand 5 – agroecology: Bangladeshi farmers’ groups (including young and marginalised farmers and women-only groups) strengthened their lobbying and advocacy capacity through workshops. More specifically, these workshops taught these groups about engaging in dialogues and negotiating with local government officials to support agroecological practices via government policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms. Women and young people received additional training to further develop and strengthen their lobbying and advocacy messages to address their specific needs and realities, in order to promote solutions that take account of gender and intergenerational inequalities. As a result of the capacity-strengthening, representatives from local farmers’ groups and Paani Committees were able to engage in quarterly meetings with local government authorities to build and maintain a constructive dialogue, in order to attract government support for agroecology.
For strand 6 – rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral: Two FGG partners lobbied the Guatemalan delegation in Geneva and were invited for a meeting after they shared their gendered recommendations to improve the text of the UN Binding Treaty and to integrate women’s and indigenous rights. This advocacy was a result of joint strategy meetings, together with other Guatemalan CSOs, which improved their knowledge of the draft text of the Binding Treaty and how this should be improved. Together they drafted gendered recommendations, which they subsequently used in their lobbying and advocacy.
For strand 7 – rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives: Five Colombian and international trade unions strengthened their research, lobbying and advocacy capacities through developing the report ‘Responsible disengagement from coal as part of a just transition’; and one FGG member gained greater knowledge and a better understanding through its collaboration with these unions. This contributed to the robustness of the report, which helped the unions in their advocacy concerning coal-mining companies and to put pressure on them to take responsibility for their workers. The report also takes account of gender issues and calls for deeper analysis of the implications of mine closure on women and indigenous peoples.
For strand 8 – rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector: Throughout 2021, FGG members provided access to and analysis of data on supply chains. This information helped several partners to identify brands and retailers buying from factories where violations of labour rights had been detected. As a result, these partners were able to highlight the relevant brands and retailers in Urgent Appeal cases.
For strand 9 – rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector: With expert support and inputs from FGG, the Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) developed a response in June 2021 to the Government of India's Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmer Welfare on their Consultation Paper on India Digital System of Agriculture.
For strand 10 – promoting inclusive governance systems: Together with FGG and other partners, an East African regional organisation, a Ugandan CSO, and a global network of public services unions with members in various countries, developed and published a Global Public Services Manifesto. Gender equality is integral to the analysis throughout the manifesto. Gender equality in the leadership, management, delivery and financing of gender-transformative public services is a central feature of the manifesto. These organisations are using the manifesto in their campaigns and lobbying of their local governments to prevent the privatisation of public services.
For strand 11 – cross-cutting civic space: Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, many discussions and decision-making spaces have now moved to online platforms. To ensure they are able to participate in these discussions and processes, three groups of indigenous peoples and local communities in the Philippines strengthened their capacity to communicate more effectively using digital tools and the internet. With ready access to the internet and other methods of communication, indigenous communities are now able to provide more timely responses to and correspondence with local and national government agencies, especially on issues of land grabbing and government projects that did not go through the FPIC process. They were also able to prepare a resolution which they sent to the national government requesting clarification of information circulating about the impending regulations on vaccination specifically aimed at them, and could restrict their rights.
In 2022, FGG aims for 288 advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency.
For SCS 4, the Ministry counts the number of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency. FGG’s third indicator largely corresponds to this indicator: FGG counts the number of civil society actors that lobby and advocate using their strengthened capacities. As such, FGG’s indicator is slightly stricter, counting CSOs that have carried out at least one and possibly multiple advocacy initiatives, and only counting CSOs if they have used strengthened capacities, so not just any CSO engaging in lobby and advocacy. In 2022, in the FGG programme, 379 civil society actors have lobbied and advocated based on strengthened capacities.
Examples of such advocacy initiatives include:
For stand 1 – Trade and investment agreements – Result area C: In Tanzania, with technical support from FGG members, FGG partners lobbied diverse government ministries about harmful investment protection clauses in trade policy, particularly in relation to Tanzania’s Bilateral Investment Treaties with Canada, Mauritius and China, which are soon to expire. An FGG partner conducted a review of the first draft of the government’s trade policy and submitted a report to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, which included recommendations in relation to gender-mainstreaming, protecting the environment, investor obligations, human rights and labour rights. Following these efforts, policymakers committed to review the Tanzanian National Investment Development Policy of 2022 in line with their input.
For strand 2 – Climate and environmental policies – Result area C: FGG partners organised a peoples caravan in Brazil to bring people together in their struggle against the environmental and human rights violations they face living in territories exploited by the oil industry, and in their desire for recognition of their human, gender and environmental rights. Their caravan ended in Rio de Janeiro, where the campaign demanded an answer from the Dutch diplomatic mission about the Dutch investment in the Porto Central project.
For strand 3 – Policies on tenure – Result area C: In the Philippines, several Indigenous Peoples Organisations (IPOs) strengthened their knowledge about their land rights, and were supported in the process for securing land tenure, as well as processing, updating, and validating of their Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plans, and taking action to defend their rights. In Northern Palawan, FGG supported seven Indigenous communities to defend their ancestral lands against planned private sector projects. They produced case timelines, identified key stakeholders in their cases, and learned about the preparation of basic legal forms in relation to paralegal work to take action against several threats. Another Indigenous group petitioned and lobbied their local government regarding a water drilling and pumping project by the Municipal and Provincial Governments that did not respect mandatory Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). As a result of their advocacy efforts, the Mayor ordered a stop to the water system projects.
For strand 4 – Public financial institutions – Result area D: In 2022, FGG members and partners in Uganda continued to advocate against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which would transport crude oil from the Albertine region in north-west Uganda to Tanga, a port in Tanzania from where it will be exported around the world. The pipeline would threaten biodiversity, water supply and fishing resources for millions of people and displace thousands of households, and has already caused human rights violations, including targeting of activists speaking out against EACOP. FGG members and Ugandan partners engaged in joint strategising and lobbying as part of the #STOPEACOP Network. FGG’s work has contributed to mounting political scrutiny and pressure on financiers to take their responsibility and halt the EACOP: the European Parliament adopted a resolution officially acknowledging the human rights violations and environmental risks related to the EACOP; two Dutch MPs asked questions in parliament regarding Dutch investments in the EACOP; and six Export Credit Agencies and 21 private insurance companies stated that they will not support the EACOP project or any associated infrastructure.
For strand 5 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral – Result areas D & E: Together with others, FGG published a report called ‘Pathway to A Feminist International Corporate Accountability Framework’. The report outlines several recommendations for business and human rights, in light of the UN Binding Treaty, including improving inclusive water management. During a meeting with FGG partner representatives, in which the Spanish version of this report was presented, the municipality of Raxruhá, in Guatemala, made a statement in support of the recommendations of the report. The municipality is located in a palm oil area, and the experience of the women is similar to the El Estor case in the report. The statement is significant as most government officials act in favour of companies, which means in line with violations of human and environmental rights.
For strand 6 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector – Result areas D & E: FGG members and partners from Malaysia collaborated to advocate and raise awareness around palm oil and timber exploitation in Malaysia. An FGG partner from Malaysia gave a presentation to representatives of Dutch Parliament and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment highlighting issues around illegal and unsustainable logging in Sarawak in relation to the Dutch timber procurement policies and flaws in certification. Indigenous spokespersons engaged with Dutch media voicing their concerns. These efforts resulted in a Dutch political party raising questions in Parliament about the timber certification scheme and violations of Indigenous land rights, intimidation of spokespersons through a so-called Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation Suit and deforestation in Malaysia in relation to the Dutch timber procurement policy. FGG members served as a sounding board, brokered contacts and arranged meetings between FGG partners and Dutch policymakers and media.
For strand 7 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector – Result areas D & E: Several FGG members and a Myanmar labour rights organisation published a reaction on their experience with filing a complaint against C&A with the Complaints and Disputes Committee of the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile . In response to this publication, in July 2022, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited FGG to discuss its findings and recommendations with them and the Social and Economic Council and committed to take up the recommendations in the further development of legislation on due diligence for responsible business conduct.
For strand 8 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector – Result areas D & E: Following various advocacy efforts by FGG, governments in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay) are increasingly putting digital trade and digitalisation on their agenda. Government officials are requesting FGG expertise to better understand the digital trade agenda with the WTO’s ongoing engagement in the digital trade agenda. These governments have an interest to be more engaged in the issues as data protection laws are weak and civil society organisations in Latin America are also putting pressure on governments not to join digital trade negotiations at the WTO and to lift to moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmission.
For strand 9 – Fair and green systems: agroecology – Result Area F: An FGG partner in West Africa organised a peasants’ social forum to promote peasant agricultural initiatives, agroecology and food sovereignty and to discuss policy recommendations. Forum participants included CSOs, grassroots communities, peasant organisations, as well as representatives from the ministry of agriculture and food producer unions. The forum strengthened the awareness of the participants, and to the discourse, on food sovereignty and agroecology among local communities. The forum builds on a capacity-development workshop held earlier in the year for civil society organisations, farmers and breeders organisations on the impacts of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and a field visit to an agroecology centre to learn about agroecological practices.
For strand 10 – Fair and green systems: water, energy and other public goods and services – Result Area F: FGG worked extensively on a just energy transition and green hydrogen in the context of Africa, mostly Northern Africa and the Middle East. They linked these issues to debates around national sovereignty and development, and energy democracy. 15 media outlets from Africa and the Middle East in turn published critical articles on these issues, citing FGG’s work. Media included 7iber, MadaMasr, Radio M, Injiyez, AlManassa, Al Safir Al Arabi, Al Hamish, Siyada, Orient XXI, Nawatt, Agence-ecofin, Hespress, ArabicPost, Maghreb Emergent, ROAPE, MRONLINE, Zeitschrift LuXemburg, Middle East Eye and the New Internationalist. Many people in the region are not aware of these large-scale energy plans and projects in the pipeline, and therefore not aware of the socio-ecological impacts of these projects. We were able to get a lot of media attention, bringing a new topic to the public discourse.
In 2023, CSOs will carry out 291 advocacy initiatives, for, by, or with their membership/constituency. The numbers show what FGG aims for through its programme: strengthening the voices of civil society organisations by strengthening their lobby and advocacy capacity. For this specific SCS indicator, FGG counts the number of civil society actors that lobby and advocate for improved policies and practices in trade and value chains and advance fair and green practices based on capacities mutually developed.
In the coming year, FGG partners and members will advocate for among other things:
Regarding trade & investment agreements:
• Fair and green trade and investment agreements together with Domestic Advisory Groups (this includes advocacy to stop the expansion of the ECT, terminate unsustainable and undemocratic FTAs such as EU-Mercosur, renegotiate and terminate IIAs and BITs with ISDS clauses, and to add strong Trade and Sustainable Development Chapters to FTAs).
• Implementation of the amendments to the Basel Convention’s annex on trade in plastic waste by the parties to the Basel convention.
• Protecting the data and developmental sovereignty of Global South nations.
Regarding tenure policies:
• Inclusive land governance (including for the implementation of the VGGTs).
• Government recognition of indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ land rights by supporting their territory claims and addressing land grabs, e.g. in the Philippines and Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya and Uganda.
Regarding climate and environmental policies:
• Debunking false solutions to the climate crisis, including ‘nature-based solutions’.
Regarding public financial institutions:
• Responsible divestment from fossil fuels.
Regarding rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral:
• Improved (gender-sensitive) regulation of corporations at national level.
• A feminist UN Binding Treaty at the international level.
• Improvements in the revision of the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises.
Regarding rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector:
• A socially responsible battery supply chain and remedying human rights abuses in the manganese mining sector.
Regarding rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector:
• A binding agreement for garment brands to among other things fill the COVID-19 wage gaps and create a Severance Guarantee Fund to assure that garment workers receive their legally mandated severance.
• The roll-out of the Pakistan Accord as intended as well as the renewal of the International Accord Agreement in the garment sector.
Regarding rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector:
• Enhancing corporate accountability provisions for tech corporations.
• Policies to govern the transition to digitalized and platformized workspaces.
Regarding fair and green systems: agroecology:
• Increased finance for transformative practices (i.e. for agroecological practices), including at the national level and at the UN Committee for World Food Security.
• Government support for indigenous peoples’ and farmers groups’ diversified farms and community enterprises.
Regarding fair and green systems: energy, water, other public goods and services:
• Inclusive and sustainable water management and spatial planning.
They will do so with enhanced research and evidence building skills, networks and advocacy capacities and improved knowledge, including on feminist leadership and women’s land rights.
In 2024, FGG aims for 336 advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency. For more information on our concrete targets, we refer to the target narratives on FGG's indicator 3.
SCS
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SCS5
# of CSOs with increased L&A capacities.
In 2021, FGG aims for 680 CSOs with increased L&A capacities.
SCS 5, on the number of CSOs with increased lobbying and advocacy capacities, corresponds with FGG indicator 2, on the number of targeted civil society actors with strengthened capacities for lobbying and advocacy. In 2021, through the FGG programme, 591 civil society actors were able to strengthen their lobbying and advocacy capacities.
Examples of such successful capacity development include:
For strand 1 – trade and investment agreements: By engaging in an FGG-led platform on the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), aimed at knowledge exchange and joint strategising, CSOs in Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda improved their understanding of the negative impacts of the ECT and its potential expansion throughout low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Through the platform, these CSOs were able to connect to CSOs from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. With their support, for the first time, the CSOs from Bangladesh, Kenya and Uganda developed plans to start advocacy in their countries to raise awareness of the ECT among policy-makers and civil society actors. They consider this important, because the ECT and its expansion agenda were little known, although the treaty poses serious risks to these countries, including in terms of their ability to address among other things the negative impacts of energy-related infrastructural projects or to take climate-related action in the future.
For strand 2 – climate and environmental policy: Eleven CSOs from African, European, Asian and Latin American lower- and upper-middle-income countries (LMIC/UMICs) and two movement allies shared via a webinar and a workshop their critical analysis (including a deepened gender analysis) of, and developed positions for the food sovereignty movement on, nature-based solutions to climate change (NBS). FGG facilitated the webinar and workshop. Informed by their partners’ analysis, one FGG member later submitted a contribution on NBS to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UNCESCR) consultation on the 'Draft general comment (No. 26) on Land and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights', raising awareness of the dangers of land sequestration for carbon capture. CSOs also used this document at the UNFCCC COP26 to raise concerns about NBS.
For strand 3 – public financial institutions: In early 2021, two CSOs in Liberia increased their awareness and enhanced their technical skills to file a complaint before the independent complaint mechanism of the EU Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). Since the start of the New Liberty Gold Project in Western Liberia, funded by FirstRand Bank (a financial intermediary of the Dutch bank, FMO), communities have faced forced relocation, pollution and police violence. Security risks, coupled with the weakness of Liberia’s legal framework in protecting villagers’ rights from corporate abuses, led Liberian CSOs to seek international NGO assistance, including FGG, to investigate accountability opportunities across the project’s supply chain.
For strand 4 – tenure rights: In West Kalimantan Indonesia, 20 indigenous women from four communities who are involved in land-rights cases with oil-palm plantations and the forestry sector attended training on women’s leadership for human rights and environmental defence. This training helped strengthen their leadership capacity and their ability to advocate for women’s issues in their own communities. The women’s groups also received training on FPIC and human rights, in particular community- and gender-based human rights and environmental defence monitoring systems. These training sessions form the basis of advocacy efforts planned for the coming years.
For strand 5 – agroecology: In 2021, through FGG training, a Philippine indigenous people’s group strengthened its organisational capacity by developing a five-year strategic plan, and promoted their traditional food systems and agroecology practices. By engaging in national dialogues to connect this group to other communities, government institutions, academics, and CSOs, the group enhanced its capacity to articulate their practices.
For strand 6 – rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral: Three Latin American CSOs strengthened their knowledge of legislation for corporate regulation and due diligence. Together with FGG members, they developed advocacy materials and organised a seminar on due diligence as a means to strengthen the capacity of other civil society actors.
For strand 7 – rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives: In September 2021, in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, four trans-migrant communities and indigenous peoples strengthened their skills in participatory mapping of their indigenous customary territories in order to defend them from land grabs by oil-palm plantations and mining companies.
For strand 8 – rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector: Through extensive knowledge production, information exchange, and joint strategising, among other things, 75 partners from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and the Philippines strengthened their knowledge about living wages, workers’ health and safety, freedom of association, and other issues relevant to garment workers. A concrete example of such capacity development concerns FGG’s support to the formal launch of the Migrant Women Forum (MWF), a loose network that seeks to work specifically on the issues of women, gender, and migration, mainly in Asia and the Middle East. In the launch webinar, in which two FGG partners from the Philippines participated, the CSOs assessed how COVID-19 has been affecting women migrant workers, explored COVID-related developments in the Asia–Middle East corridor, and identified support and services available to them.
For strand 9 – rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector: 16 CSOs from LMIC/UMICs, including India, Indonesia and Philippines, participated in a two-day online institute on feminist perspectives on the digital economy and society, organised by FGG. The institute reached over 75 participants from civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions. By organising this institute, FGG provided conceptual and analytical inputs and in-depth capacity development on diverse topics such as the platform economy and macroeconomic shifts, voice and claims-making in a ‘platformised’ society, and feminist agendas for policy in the digital economy and society.
For strand 10 promoting inclusive governance systems: In Colombia, women community water leaders (including members of aqueduct boards and local administrative boards) discussed women’s social and political participation in the community management of water in a series of four workshops, tours, and an inter-municipal meetings of municipal water managers. This process strengthened the capacity of women leaders and their links with other women leaders in community water management. The workshops and meetings took place in an area where women’s right to social and political participation is often violated, particularly among rural women.
For strand 11 - cross-cutting civic space: In 2021, two partners from Uganda strengthened their knowledge on shrinking civic space through organizing strategy meetings with FGG members and with Ugandan lawyers on state repression to strengthen their response towards shrinking civic space.
In 2022, FGG will contribute to 444 CSOs in LLUMICs increasing their capacities to effectively lobby and advocate. For this indicator FGG counts all civil society actors, including CBOs, communities, and networks, with whom we engage in mutual capacity development (i.e. we our direct partners/and or country offices as well as the partners of our direct partners and/or country offices in LLUMICs). Mutual capacity development is the essence of FGG’s way of working aimed at collaborating with partners to strengthening each others capacities needed to effectively lobby and advocate (incl. knowledge, constituency and network building, access to decision makers, advocacy skills, leveraging pressure points and ability to act freely and safely). It is a process in which all civil society actors, regardless of their country of origin, participate as equal partners. FGG partners and members combine their complementary roles and expertise to achieve their joint goals.
FGG has long been raising awareness around the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This massive Chinese Foreign Direct Investment initiative, has caused harmful environmental, social and economic impacts, according to social movements, affected communities and non-governmental organisations across the globe. In 2022, FGG will strengthening its lobby and advocacy capacities in relation to the BRI. FGG partners from LLUMICs and members will further develop our analysis of and knowledge on the role of Chinese investments under the BRI, in particular in relation to the energy transition. Based on this joint analysis, we will jointly develop our advocacy positions and strategies for our advocacy towards national governments in host countries of Chinese investments and the CBD for improved environmental governance in relation to BRI projects as well as the need for investment agreements to be subjected to the same standards and rules as trade agreements. We will also strategically and financially support our partners to increase their capacity to monitor the development of a special investment protection mechanisms that is expected to govern BRI investments.
One of the key issues that has been central in the FGG programme is the promotion of fair and green trade and investment agreements. In 2022, FGG partners and members will continue to engage in mutual capacity development to strengthen our lobby and advocacy aimed at making current harmful trade and investment agreements fairer and greener. FGG partners and members will increase their knowledge and understanding of ISDS and other harmful clauses in trade and investment agreements, such as the EU FTAs with Indonesia, Tunisia, Mercosur, and Mexico respectively, under negotiation in 2022. We will also build a global movement around the interface between trade and climate and strengthen the knowledge and advocacy capacity of partners around what these FTAs should contain instead, such as sustainability chapters that protect human rights and the environment. Specific attention will go to EU-Mercosur, as Latin American countries are subjected to most ISDS lawsuits. FGG partners and members will work on strengthening the knowledge of the EU-Mercosur FTA, and ISDS mechanisms among CSOs, by monitoring and documenting existing and new cases in Latin America and augmentation for legal changes to prevent the implementation of ISDS. FGG members will support FGG partners in conducting research on impact of the EU-Mercosur agreement on climate, forests, food and human rights – including specific gender related impacts.
SCS 5, on the number of CSOs with increased lobby and advocacy capacities, corresponds with FGG indicator 2, on the number of targeted civil society actors with strengthened capacities for lobbying and advocacy. In 2022, through the FGG programme, 926 civil society actors were able to strengthen their lobby and advocacy capacities.
Examples of such successful capacity development include:
For stand 1 – Trade and investment agreements – Result area C: In July and August 2022, an Indonesian FGG partner together with six Indonesian farmer groups and two European civil society allies strengthened their knowledge on the harmful effects of including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of seeds in trade agreements for small farmers, especially for women. The gendered impact of these IPR clauses was a central issue in this capacity development work. They did this by setting up webinars for relevant actors, a.o. CSOs and policymakers, across Indonesia and the EU on these IPR clauses, with special attention for their gendered impacts. Through the webinar, the participants not only strengthened their knowledge, but also expanded their networks with other actors in this field.
For strand 2 – Climate and environmental policies – Result area C: A South East Asian FGG partner brought eight civil society organisations together in a coalition to strengthen their capacities to jointly advocate against plastic waste trade imports. Through the coalition, they were able to increase their knowledge of the issue, expand their networks, and strategise together, among other things through the formulation of joint advocacy letters. The CSOs were able to use their increased capacity to advocate e.g. towards the ministry of environment and the national negotiation committee for the global plastics treaty for a UN global binding treaty that addresses all facets of the global plastics treaty; and towards the EU to end the export of plastic waste outside the EU and the European Free Trade Association to both OECD and non-OECD countries.
For strand 3 – Policies on tenure – Result area C: 14 small-scale fishers’ organisations participated in the 35th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Fisheries in February 2022, in the lead-up to the 10th anniversary of the Small Scale Fisheries Guidelines. They did so after they had strengthened their capacities to access decision-making spaces and increased their knowledge on the implementation of the Small Scale Fisheries Guidelines. Together with an FGG member, they engaged in preparatory meetings and learned from a report co-published by FGG, delivering a well-informed critique of the implementation of the Small Scale Fisheries Guidelines. The small-scale fishers’ organisations organised two side events, where they presented the report findings. Notably, the report and presentation had a strong emphasis on the role of women in small-scale fisheries and the related impacts of the guidelines on women in the fisheries sector, including onshore activities (processing, marketing, etc.) where the role of women is more pronounced.
For strand 4 – Public financial institutions – Result area D: In several African countries, FGG partners and members collaborated to mutually strengthen capacities to advocate on Export Credit Agencies, including by developing a joint strategy, developing evidence-based advocacy materials, publishing a report on fossil finance to Africa, and conducting joint research on how fossil finance impacts countries in Africa. FGG organised webinars on climate litigation cases, mapped and shared the climate litigation work being done by FGG partners, members, and others, and set up a mailing list for groups working on litigation to connect and share information. These activities contributed to strengthened knowledge on successful litigation strategies and connections to other Southern CSOs among participants. A partner in Mozambique, for example, conducted litigation, advocacy and campaigned in 2022 to challenge Export Credit Agencies in three Northern countries for funding gas projects in their country.
For strand 5 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral – Result areas D & E: In 2022, FGG continued to strengthen the movement for a UN Binding Treaty via global networks, including the Global Campaign to Dismantle Corporate Power and Feminists for a Binding Treaty Network. FGG partners engaged in working groups of the Global Campaign and mobilised at the regional level. In Latin America, partners helped build the Continental Journey for Democracy and Against Neoliberalism, which prioritised the Binding Treaty agenda and marked lobby spaces with governments and human rights institutions in different countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, and Uruguay. In the Asia-Pacific, partners from the Philippines and Indonesia took part in the Asia Task Force, a network of organisations working on rules for companies at the regional level and in the UN Binding Treaty process. In Africa, FGG supported the Southern African Campaign to Dismantle Corporate Power. FGG has been working for years with partners in African states, including Egypt, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa, to contribute to Africa as a continent supporting the Binding Treaty, including through knowledge-sharing, and joint strategising. African countries are emerging as major champions of the Treaty.
For strand 6 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector – Result areas D & E: FGG members collaborated with partners in Mozambique and Argentina, among others, and worked with trade unions to increase civil society advocacy capacity and awareness of battery value chains. During IndustriALL’s global and regional workshops, FGG presented research findings on battery manufacturing, which equipped 73 union delegates, representing 45 unions, with increased knowledge on the issue. This knowledge is useful for trade unions to develop effective due diligence tools to organise workers and create platforms with multinational companies and other stakeholders focusing on sustainable industrial policy and just transition in the battery value chain.
For strand 7 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector – Result areas D & E: In 2022, FGG conducted a capacity development series on one of the members’ Urgent Appeal structure in the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka, involving 21 partners from these countries. The participants increased their knowledge about global supply chains, and learned about triangle solidarity: campaigning in the producing country where violations occur, campaigning in garment consumer countries, and campaigning in the home country of the factory owner. In the Philippines, one of the trainings from this series was held in December, focusing on women leadership and introduction of the urgent appeal system. The training, which was attended by 46 garment workers, increased the knowledge of the participants on topics including basic labour rights, the urgent appeals mechanism, the ILO Convention 190 or the convention to eliminate violence at work and the importance of leadership in organising and being part of unions.
For strand 8 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector – Result areas D & E: The FGG Alliance made significant strides in mutual capacity development and movement-building to call attention to, and emphasise the problems stemming from, the global dominance of a handful of Big Tech corporations across vital sectors of development and infrastructure. In 2022, the Alliance published ‘The State of Big Tech Compendium’, a volume of essays and interviews that brings together key voices in research, advocacy, policy and civil society. The compendium discusses the dynamics of Big Tech, governmental and multilateral responses to regulate the tech sector, the agenda and strategies of peoples’ mobilisations against Big Tech power, and includes recommendations on moving towards democratic governance of the digital economy. This compendium, which garnered more than 4,500 reads in 2022, has received attention from civil society actors and beyond, and served as a useful aid for FGG members and partners in bringing together insights from across geographies and sectors to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which the digital domain touches upon issues that the FGG Alliance has been working on for years, ranging from free-trade agreements and labour rights in the garment sector to food production.
For strand 9 – Fair and green systems: agroecology – Result Area F: In 2022, three Indigenous Peoples communities in the Philippines increased their knowledge on agroecology through a collaborative learning visit facilitated by an FGG partner who has several years of experience in practising and advocating for agroecology. The learning visit enabled farmer-to-farmer learning exchange and was aimed at identifying these Indigenous Peoples communities’ capacity development needs in vegetable production, rice production, and organic fertiliser production. This is significant because it will assist Indigenous Peoples communities in reviving traditional farm practices in which women and youth play an important role. Aside from increasing their knowledge on agroecology, two of these Indigenous Peoples communities also developed their capacities in proposal writing and eventually accessed small grants towards strengthening their agroecology practices.
For strand 10 – Fair and green systems: water, energy and other public goods and services – Result Area F: 17 CSOs, along with other researchers, lawyers and academics, came together in April 2022 under the aegis of Right Digitalisation, a platform convened by FGG to deliberate on the most pressing issues with regard to digitalisation in their respective sectors viz. health, education, labour, agriculture, and trade, with the goal of crystallising key demands from each sector, enable cross-learning across sectors to streamline some common issues and therefore common solutions, and to lay the foundation of positive lobbying and advocacy with key actors, to make digitalisation policies keeping in mind those most affected. As a result of this first cross-sectoral meeting, an e-list of the participating organisations was formed, which has become a platform for mutual learning and rich discussion, along with an active space to initiate call to action for advocacy, over the year. Through this e-list, FGG worked to actively expand knowledge development on issues of digital justice, gender in the digital economy, data rights of workers in the digital economy, new laws and policies and their impact on marginalised communities, in the digital domain.
The FGG programme will support 514 civil society actors around the world, including in Bangladesh, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kenya, the Philippines and Uganda, to strengthen their capacity to advocate for, among other things, fair and green trade and investment agreements (including renegotiation of BITs, IIAs, EU FTAs, AfCFTA and seed IPR clauses); halting the expansion of the Energy Charter Treaty; debunking false solutions to the climate crisis; inclusive natural resources (water and land) governance (incl. CADT, TRM, FPIC and the implementation of VGGTs), tenure security and food sovereignty; appropriate data policies at national level; better digital taxation and competition policies; increased recognition of workers rights for emerging digital economy contexts; regulation of corporate conduct of tech companies; gender-sensitive binding regulations for corporates at national level; a (feminist) UN Binding Treaty; improvement of corporate accountability processes (i.a. at the RSPO and in public financial flows); divestment from fossil fuels; living wages, worker health and safety, prevention and remedy of labour rights violations and freedom of association in the garments industry; increased finance for transformative practices, including agroecology; increased policy space for a just energy transition and a just recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the food crisis; support for an economic paradigm shift based on an understanding of feminist economics; and the protection of environmental and human rights defenders. FGG partners and members pay particular attention to strengthening the capacity of civil society actors to defend and expand civic space; and to assuring attention for women’s rights and gender justice in FGG’s advocacy and the changes we’re pursuing.
The mutual capacity development activities FGG partners and members will engage in include advocacy trainings, negotiations skills development, trainings to read and analyse formal documents, learning sessions, joint strategising, knowledge building and exchange (including through (international) thematic working groups), information exchange, expanding constituencies and mobilising support and solidarity, networking, increasing access to decision-making spaces, leadership training (especially for women, youth and persons with disabilities or diffables), improving communication skills (including the development and use of secure communication tools and media training) and fundraising trainings.
In 2024, FGG aims for 490 CSOs with increased L&A capacities. For more information on our concrete targets, we refer to the target narratives on FGG's indicator 2.
SCS
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SCS6
# of CSOs included in SPs programmes
In 2021, FGG aims for 672 CSOs included in the SP programme.
In 2021, FGG collaborated with 615 partners in low, LMICs and UMICs around the world.
In 2022, 470 CSOs in LLUMICs will be included in the FGG programme. For this indicator FGG counts all civil society actors with whom we actively collaborate. This SCS indicator shows the scope of the FGG programme within the Strategic Partnership of Strengthening Civil Society. This number amounts to 560 CSOs, CBOs, networks, and other partners with whom FGG members will actively collaborate in 2022. The number includes partner organisations receiving funding through the FGG programme, but also organisations and other partners with whom FGG members engage in non-financial collaboration.
In 2022, FGG collaborated with 1067 partners in low, lower-middle and upper-middle income countries around the world.
In 2023, 591 CSOs in LLUMICs will be included in the FGG programme. For this indicator FGG counts all civil society actors with whom we actively collaborate. This SCS indicator shows the scope of the FGG programme within the Strategic Partnership for Strengthening Civil Society. The number includes partner organisations receiving funding through the FGG programme, as well as organisations and other partners with whom FGG members engage in non-financial collaboration.
In 2024, 627 CSOs in LLUMICs will be included in the FGG programme. For this indicator FGG counts all civil society actors with whom we actively collaborate. This SCS indicator shows the scope of the FGG programme within the Strategic Partnership for Strengthening Civil Society. The number includes partner organisations receiving funding through the FGG programme, as well as organisations and other partners with whom FGG members engage in non-financial collaboration.
SCS
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SCS7
# of CSOs that have enhanced representation of constituencies
FGG does not monitor on this indicator.
In 2023, the FGG programme will continue to be built upon the expressed priorities of partner organisations in the Global South and the communities they represent, based on the challenges and opportunities they have identified. We will continue to work with local partners (CSOs, CBOs, community groups, and network, amongst others) which are strongly rooted in the communities we support. We involve partners in all phases of the programme: from design to implementation and evaluation. But our collaboration goes well beyond ‘involving’ or ‘consulting with’ local groups: our approach is to support people affected by social injustices to organise and advocate for their rights themselves. This ensures not only local ownership but, more importantly, local leadership.
To ensure that plans are based on the issues and needs identified by our partners and the communities they represent FGG members remain in constant dialogue with partners. They do so in various ways: Both ENDS organises continuous informal exchanges throughout the year to discuss and adapt strategies, ActionAid organises regular strategy and synergy meetings to strengthen connections, and Samdhana will organise ‘listening sessions’ to gather feedback from ILPC communities. All these activities are organised with the expressed goal to jointly reflect on the collaboration and make sure that partners’ priorities remain central to the FGG programme.
Another way in which members aim to ensure local ownership is by including Southern leadership in their governance structures. CCC is organised via a network model, based on a number of regional coalitions and thematic Working International Groups, responsible for planning, strategising and decision-making. Southern partners are strongly represented in both bodies. ActionAid’s governance structure includes an oversight committee which brings together senior leadership from the teams in the Global South and is responsible for strategic steering of the programme. While most of the work we do aimed at local ownership happens at member level, in 2023 we will also continue to facilitate the meaningful participation of partners in Alliance level processes where possible. In 2023, this will include the facilitation of partners’ involvement in thematic groups and in the Mid Term Review.
In addition, we will continue to engage in mutual capacity development with our partners where both members and local partners strengthen each other’s lobby and advocacy capacities by learning from each other’s often complementary knowledge, skills, and positions. Capacity strengthening activities for partners are planned when they identify specifics needs - for example TNI will strengthen partners’ capacities on digital trade because partners expressed a need to learn more about advocating around the relationship between data and trade. Another important advocacy strategy to strengthen local leadership is to facilitate partner’s access to decision-making spaces. For example: TNI is facilitating the involvement of local groups in consultations with parliamentarians in Brazil who are developing a new national law on business and human rights.
SCS
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SCS8
# of CSOs using a Gender and Social Inclusion lens during all phases of the programming cycle with specific attention to youth
SCS
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SCS9
# of actions in support to better NGO and/or labour/trade union legislation, policies, by-laws and codes of conduct that improve civil society space
In 2021, FGG aims for 117 actions in support to better NGO and/or labour/trade union legislation, policies, by-laws or codes of conduct that improve civil society space
For its ninth SCS indicator, the Ministry counts the number of actions in support of better NGO and/or labour/trade union legislation, policies, by-laws or codes of conduct that improve civil society space. FGG has a strong focus on civic space. Through FGG’s 5x sub-indicator, FGG counts the number of key actors that support a recommendation that is primarily aimed at contributing to civic space. In 2021, 24 key actors supported such a civic space-focused FGG policy or practice recommendation.
Examples of such key actors supporting a civic space-focused FGG policy or practice recommendation include:
For strand 1 – trade and investment agreements: In July 2021, the UN Secretary-General presented the report of the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises on Human rights-compatible international investment agreements to the General Assembly. It includes various CSO demands and recommendations and highlights the importance of ‘developing an investment policy from the bottom up with the meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, women’s organizations and trade unions’. FGG actively contributed to this process including by participating in regional consultation meetings of the working group and by providing written submissions.
For strand 2 – climate and environmental policy: FGG, invited as an expert to the Dutch Advisory Committee on Bio-feedstock, was able to articulate concerns and recommendations regarding approval of bio-feedstock. FGG offered oral advice and textual input on addressing social, environmental and women’s rights issues. The Committee adopted these contributions and incorporated them in its formal advice to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management concerning the latter’s framework of minimum criteria for bio-feedstock. Key FGG recommendations adopted by the Committee include ensuring respect for human rights – women’s rights in particular – consultation with local stakeholders including civil society, and land rights as well as ecological and climate sustainability.
For strand 3 – public financial institutions: In May 2021, the Dutch development bank FMO expressed support for FGG recommendations to improve its disclosure practice, by inviting civil society actors to provide input to a new roadmap on disclosure to be developed, showing willingness to explore and take steps to increase transparency regarding investments and improving its own disclosure standards, after advocacy by FGG in the structural dialogue. Positive steps are that FMO has invited civil society to help in improving local disclosure practices, and that it is considering longer disclosure periods and publishing more extended project information.
For strand 4 – tenure rights: In Myanmar, after the coup, opposition forces established a new political structure: the National Unity Government (NUG). Myanmar CSOs actively lobbied the NUG on inclusive land and natural resources policies. These proposals were favourably received and are part of developments towards a federal constitution.
For strand 5 – agroecology: See the result elaborated on for strand 10.
For strand 6 – rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral: On 10 March 2021, the European Parliament passed a resolution with recommendations to the European Commission for legislation on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability. The resolution calls for a law to hold European multinationals accountable for their impact on human rights and the environment overseas. A specific element of this resolution, which directly touches upon civic space, is the call for better access to European courts for victims of corporate misconduct around the world. FGG has been actively campaigning for such legislation, including by bringing cases of affected communities to decision-makers and the public.
For strand 7 – rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives: The RSPO adopted a proposal to adopt an Outreach to Intermediary Organisations Programme in Honduras and Guatemala and seek a partnership with a Central American counterpart that is trusted by CSOs and communities. The outreach will specifically enhance the capacity of CSOs, community-based organisations (CBOs), unions and women’s organisations to act safely and freely by addressing human rights violations in particular of (female) workers and communities living adjacent to (expanding) palm-oil plantations.
For strand 8 – rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), an international standard-setting body, asked relevant associated certification bodies to respond to the findings of FGG’s Tamil Nadu report. Investigations at the relevant sites took place, including unannounced audits. After the report’s publication, GOTS contacted FGG to discuss the findings. The key issue that emerged during the meeting between GOTS and FGG was the need for GOTS to improve its policy and practice with regard to engaging with local civil society stakeholders. GOTS has since announced that it is working on improving its stakeholder engagement policy and practice.
For strand 9 – rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector: The Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression for the General Assembly Report on Gender Justice cited FGG’s submission (citation 112) in her Report, to argue that the rising tide of online gender-based violence, harassment, trolling, doxxing (revealing private information about an individual or organisation without their consent), and other harmful activities shows that social media platforms are not treating online gender-based violence with the urgency, seriousness, and resources it requires.
For strand 10 – promoting inclusive governance systems: During the UN General Assembly in March 2021, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food showed his support for and presented the position of the CSM (Civil Society and Indigenous Peoples’ Mechanism for relations with the CFS) on the undemocratic process and content of the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), and the priority it gives to corporate interests rather than the rights and needs of civil society actors. The CSM, in which also FGG is involved and through which it actively advocates for policy support for agroecology, argued that ‘The UNFSS is taking the place of the democratic multilateral system, including the CFS and the Rome Based Agencies for the governance of food yet without recognising their leading role, and without upholding the rights and responsibilities of States, the rights of peoples and instead giving a leading role to the corporate sector’. Extensive FGG advocacy contributed to the outcome that at its 49th plenary session in October 2021 the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) did not agree to implement UNFSS outcomes. The FAO Council's 168th Session in November/December 2021 ‘noted that the Summit did not have a negotiated outcome’ and did not welcome a follow-up to the process but stressed the need to maintain existing UN structures.
For strand 11 – cross-cutting civic space: Six Ugandan environmental and human rights defenders who were arrested in October 2021 have eventually been released without charges thanks to a call for action to mobilise international pressure promoted by FGG and French CSOs through the Internationalist Solidarity System of one of the FGG members. The petition for the release of the environmental and human rights defenders was signed by 208 organisations, including many FGG partners, and FGG partners sent letters to Ugandan embassies in Europe, Africa and Latin America.
In 2022, FGG will contribute to 43 actions in support to better NGO and/or labour/trade union legislation, policies, by-laws and codes of conduct that improve civil society space. For SCS9, FGG counts the targets/results on its 5x indicator: # key actors who support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations that aim to contribute to expanding/defending civic space.
We observe that civic space has been shrinking for years, a development that has been worsened by the pandemic. Many governments prioritise the interests of private sector actors over human rights; and too often (violently) repress civil society actors and environmental and human rights defenders speaking out against environmental and human rights violations.
In response to this injustice, FGG members and partners put considerable efforts into supporting (indigenous) EHRDs on the front lines, doing everything in their power to enable them to do their work safely. This work will continue in 2022, amongst others through the Internationalist Solidarity System. In urgent cases, FGG will provide legal, medical, psychological and relocation support via emergency funds, including Urgent Appeal funds and ‘small-grants for urgent action’. FGG members will show solidarity with frontline communities and labour activists on specific cases of corporate abuse and impunity. FGG partners and members will collectively raise awareness about the dangers faced by EHRDs and the need to defend the rights of these communities. Specific attention will be given to strengthening knowledge of digital security and the safety of women EHRDs. We will also give special attention to supporting indigenous peoples movements. We will support IPLCs defending their ancestral lands by organising paralegal trainings to enable them to read investment contracts and trainings on safety and security and we will help them to build a movement, e.g. by improving strategic communications, strengthening their communication infrastructure to increase connectivity between partners, and by facilitating linkages with law groups to increase IPLC’s access to legal services. Where possible we will also provide support in addressing basic mental health and psychosocial support needs of both IPLCs and staff who are on the frontlines. By holding ‘menoken’, we will provide inclusive spaces for young IPLCs, persons with different abilities, young women, and other groups to nurture a next generation of IPLC leaders and rights defenders.
Examples of support from key actors that we seek to defend or expand civic space include:
- Government actors in Indonesia and Philippines recognise and uphold indigenous peoples rights, support spaces for dialogues, and allow for IPLCs to voice their issues and needs.
- Policymakers from Kenya increase their support for the promotion of accountability and upholding of human rights principles by the state through the promotion of strengthened application of safeguards to protect human and women’s rights defenders. This will allow (W)EHRDs and CSOs to be included in democratic decision-making platforms.
- At FMO, as a result of the dialogues between FMO and CSOs first steps are taken towards a different theory of change, moving away from trickle down assumptions and investing in powers that be towards being more transparent, taking a role that addresses concerns of partners in cases, and integrating our concerns in policy reviews.
- Government actors will support FGG recommendations on improving the Digital Markets Act, which we expect to contribute to defending civic space by reducing the control and influence of Big Tech platforms.
- A policymaker from India will support our policy recommendation for the expansion of input spaces and mechanisms for civil society actors into governance spaces for the digital economy.
For its ninth SCS indicator, the Ministry counts the number of actions in support to better NGO and/or labour/trade union legislation, policies, by-laws or codes of conduct that improve civil society space. FGG has a strong focus on civic space. Through FGG’s 5x sub-indicator, FGG counts the number of key actors that support a recommendation that is primarily aimed at contributing to civic space. In 2022, 29 key actors supported such a civic space-focused FGG policy or practice recommendation.
Examples of support for civic space-focused recommendations include:
For stand 1 – Trade and investment agreements – Result area C: In 2022, the Ugandan Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development issued an official request to a partner from Uganda to collectively ensure that there is an improved access to remedy mechanisms for the communities and workers whose rights are affected by investment schemes.
For strand 2 – Climate and environmental policies – Result area C: In 2022, the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) committed to improving access to funding for CSOs. At the UNCCD COP15 in May 2022, the CEO of the GEF made an official commitment to increase space for CSOs within GEF funding using the argument that non-state actors, such as communities, CSOs and private sector are in many cases the drivers of transitional actions that lead to change within countries. More financial and political support from GEF to CSOs will increase civic space for CSOs to better participate in policy making processes on sustainable land management and inclusive land governance. The FGG Alliance has been advocating since 2017 for more appropriate funding mechanisms for CSOs who are supporting sustainable land use and restoration.
For strand 3 – Policies on tenure – Result area C: In 2022, 12 regional parliament members led by the Regent in Indonesia held a meeting to review and finalise the Draft local regulation recognition of Indigenous Peoples rights of Arfak Regency as a follow up proposal on the MOU between the District Head of Arfak Mountains and an FGG partner in 2021. The local parliament’s focus in the draft regulation is on Indigenous Peoples’ rights protection, their legal role in managing the natural resources, and a legal arrangement to secure the public assets. This regulation is crucial for implementing the proper special autonomy law mandate, and co-management of natural resources, including domestic small-scale community mining. This regulation will be the bases for the Indigenous Peoples in relation to private sector actors operating in their territory. The regulation has been approved and is now on its process of initiating its steps with the above regulations before it will get an official district regulation number from the Provincial legal bureau.
For strand 5 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, cross-sectoral – Result areas D & E: Human Rights Ombudsman's Office in Guatemala published a report on the situation of rights of indigenous communities and women, including recommendations in line with FGG’s recommendations towards other state institutions. The report requests not to use the law against women human rights defenders and to protect women human rights defenders against local authorities. This report is a result of the Ombudsman’s visit to and discussions with the Northern Lowlands communities in 2021.
For strand 6 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, extractives sector – Result areas D & E: In June 2022, in Colombia, following input by FGG and others, the Colombian Truth Commission recommended -and the Colombian government agreed- to open a special ‘case’ for investigating and prosecuting energy (coal) companies involved in human rights abuses as part of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in Colombia. This outcome is important because it gives victims and human rights defenders a direct pathway to pursue justice and remedy for human rights abuses associated with the activities of energy companies mining and purchasing coal.
For strand 7 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, garment sector – Result areas D & E: In May 2022, the Dutch Social and Economic Council (SER) announced a two-year project which has the objective of improving corporate practice with regard to meaningful stakeholder engagement. Experience within sectoral International Responsible Business Conduct agreements, facilitated by the SER, led the SER to conclude that business performs poorly when it comes to engaging meaningfully with stakeholders. The SER will develop guidance for companies to engage with stakeholders and rights holders in a meaningful manner. FGG has been raising the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement as an essential element of corporate human rights due diligence procedures (in its reports, in bilateral conversations with SER representatives) and has pointed out corporate failure to engage meaningfully with civil society stakeholders (notably, in the context of the complaint against C&A).
For strand 8 – Rules for business and corporate conduct, tech sector – Result areas D & E: In October 2022, 474 civil society organisations from Myanmar, represented by FGG, have reached a preliminary agreement with Norwegian telecoms operator Telenor in an ongoing mediation process related to the company’s rushed exit from Myanmar in 2021. The memorandum of understanding includes exploring the option of an independent Myanmar digital security relief mechanism to provide training as well as financial and legal support to former clients and employees of Telenor Myanmar, who are facing risks associated with their digital footprint.
For strand 10 – Fair and green systems: water, energy and other public goods and services – Result Area F: In Guatemala, a women’s movement partner strengthened capacities for a group of women to demand participation in decision-making spaces and the inclusive management of water. FGG partners organised trainings and workshops for the women to formulate their demands and develop their strategies. At the local level, the partner started conversations with the Departmental Directorates for Women, a dependency of the municipality, to echo their demands. As a result, the partner and the municipality organised a forum within the framework of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a promising first step in the process towards meaningful participation of women in relevant decision-making processes.
In 2023, FGG will contribute to 49 actions in support to better NGO and/or labour/trade union legislation, policies, by-laws and codes of conduct that improve civil society space. For SCS 9, FGG counts the targets on its 5x indicator: # key actors who support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations that aim to contribute to expanding/defending civic space.
In response to the ongoing shrinking of civic space in many countries around the world, the FGG Alliance will continue to support (indigenous) environmental and human rights defenders as well as other civil society actors that find themselves under pressure. Our planned efforts in this regard include advocacy towards key actors for them to:
• Support laws that guarantee corporate accountability and uphold human rights principles (e.g. in Uganda).
• Create platforms for groups and communities, especially women and youth, to actively and meaningfully participate in decision-making processes (e.g. on land-related issues in Kenya, on illegal logging in Nigeria, on public support through export credit agencies, and on the digital economy).
• Promote alternative narratives to multistakeholderism, for instance towards actors engaged in the UN Summit of the Future (SOFT) negotiations, to assure that rights-holders can claim their space in global governance processes,
• Develop National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights (e.g. in Zimbabwe).
• Recognise and protect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.
• Publicly denounce human and labour rights violations, including in Myanmar and Hong Kong.
In 2024, FGG will contribute to 40 actions in support to better NGO and/or labour/trade union legislation, policies, by-laws and codes of conduct that improve civil society space. For SCS 9, FGG counts the targets on its 5x indicator: # key actors who support and/or promote FGG policy/practice recommendations that aim to contribute to expanding/defending civic space.
SCS1
SCS1 # of laws and policies for sustainable and inclusive development that are better implemented as a result of CSO engagement.
SCS011
# of laws for sustainable and inclusive development that are better implemented as a result of CSO engagement.
8 laws for sustainable and inclusive development are better implemented as a result of CSO engagement. For more information we refer to the results uploaded by the FGG members for indicator SCS 1.
SCS012
# of governmental policies for sustainable and inclusive
development that are better implemented as a result of CSO
engagement.
governmental policies for sustainable and inclusive
development that are better implemented as a result of CSO
engagement.
SCS013
# of private sector company policies for sustainable and inclusive
development that are better implemented as a result of CSO
engagement.
# private sector company policies for sustainable and inclusive
development are better implemented as a result of CSO
engagement;
SCS015
# of international agreements for sustainable and inclusive
development that are better implemented as a result of CSO
engagement.
# international agreements for sustainable and inclusive
development are better implemented as a result of CSO
engagement;
SCS014
# of by-laws for sustainable and inclusive development that are
better implemented as a result of CSO engagement.
by-laws for sustainable and inclusive development are
better implemented as a result of CSO engagement;
SCS4
# of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their
membership/constituency.
SCS041
# of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their
membership/constituency
# advocacy initiatives are carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their
membership/constituency
SCS042
# of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their
membership/constituency at sub-national level.
# advocacy initiatives are carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their
membership/constituency at sub-national level
SCS5
# of CSOs with increased L&A capacities.
SCS051
# of women led CSOs with increased L&A capacities.
# women led CSOs have increased L&A capacities.
SCS052
# of youth led CSOs with increased L&A capacities.
# youth led CSOs have increased L&A capacities
SCS053
# of other CSOs (not youth or women led) with increased L&A
capacities
# other CSOs (not youth or women led) have increased L&A
capacities.
SCS054
# of CSOs which are both women and youth led with increased L&A
capacities.
# CSOs which are both women and youth led have increased L&A
capacities.
SCS6
# of CSOs included in SPs programmes.
SCS061
# of women led CSOs included in SPs programmes.
# of women led CSOs are included in SPs programmes
SCS063
# of CSOs (not youth or women led) included in SPs programmes.
# CSOs (not youth or women led) are included in SPs programmes
SCS062
# of youth led CSOs included in SPs programmes.
# youth led CSOs are included in SPs programmes.
SCS064
# of CSOs which are both women and youth led included in SPs
programmes.
# CSOs which are both women and youth led are included in SPs
programmes.
SCS9
# of actions in support to better NGO and/or labour/trade union legislation,
policies, by-laws and codes of conduct that improve civil society space.
SCS091
# of actions in support to better NGO legislation, policies, by-laws
or codes of conduct that improve civil society space.
# actions are in support to better NGO legislation, policies, by-laws
or codes of conduct that improve civil society space.
SCS092
# of actions in support to better labour/trade union legislation,
policies, by-laws or codes of conduct that improve civil society
space.
# actions are in support to better labour/trade union legislation,
policies, by-laws or codes of conduct that improve civil society
space.
SCS3
# of times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands
and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or
creating space to engage.
SCS032
# of times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands
and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate
and/or creating space to engage at sub-national level.
# times that CSOs succeeded in creating space for CSO demands
and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate
and/or creating space to engage at sub-national level.
SCS031
# of times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands
and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate
and/or creating space to engage at national and international level.
# times CSOs succeeded in creating space for CSO demands
and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate
and/or creating space to engage at national and international level.
SCS2
# of laws, policies blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and
inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement.
SCS025
# international agreements blocked, adopted, improved for
sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO
engagement
SCS024
# of by-laws blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and
inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement
# by-laws blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and
inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement.
SCS023
# of private sector company policies blocked, adopted, improved
for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO
engagement
# private sector company policies blocked, adopted, improved
for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO
engagement
SCS022
# of governmental policies blocked, adopted, improved for
sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO
engagement
# governmental policies blocked, adopted, improved for
sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO
engagement
SCS021
# of laws blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and
inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement
# laws blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and
inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement.