About International accountability project
International Accountability Project: Empowering Communities for a Better World
International Accountability Project (IAP) is a non-profit organization that aims to empower communities and promote social justice by ensuring that people have the right to shape decisions that affect their homes, environment, and communities. The organization was founded in 1994 with the goal of promoting accountability and transparency in development projects around the world.
The International Accountability Project believes that everyone has the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives. This includes decisions about development projects, which can have significant impacts on local communities. Unfortunately, many development projects are carried out without proper consultation or input from affected communities. This can lead to negative consequences such as displacement, environmental degradation, and loss of livelihoods.
To address these issues, IAP works with local partners around the world to promote community participation in decision-making processes related to development projects. The organization provides training and support for community members so they can effectively engage with project developers and government officials.
One of IAP's key strategies is promoting free prior informed consent (FPIC), which is a principle recognized by international law that requires developers to obtain consent from affected communities before carrying out any project activities on their land or territories. FPIC ensures that communities have a say in how their resources are used and helps prevent negative impacts on their rights and well-being.
In addition to promoting FPIC, IAP also works on other issues related to social justice and human rights. For example, the organization advocates for stronger legal protections for human rights defenders who face threats or attacks because of their work defending community rights.
IAP's work has had significant impact around the world. For example:
- In Indonesia, IAP worked with local partners to help indigenous peoples secure recognition of their customary land rights.
- In Guatemala, IAP supported efforts by Mayan women leaders who successfully stopped a hydroelectric dam project from being built without proper consultation.
- In Liberia, IAP worked with local partners to help communities secure compensation for damages caused by a mining company.
Overall, the International Accountability Project is an important organization that works to promote social justice and empower communities around the world. By promoting community participation in decision-making processes related to development projects, IAP helps ensure that people have a say in how their resources are used and can protect their rights and well-being.