Environment and Land acquisition
Companies whose operations function in accordance with national, industry-specific and international standards of health, safety and environmental protection are well aware of the dangers posed by certain chemical inputs, industrial by-products, waste materials and other emissions from their processing facilities. Because an industrial accident can be a disaster not only or affected workers or residents, but for the company and community as a whole, responsible companies take the licensing, inspection and reporting requirements very seriously. Nonetheless, children’s rights and needs can easily get lost in the technical or bureaucratic nature of even the most sophisticated and responsible management and mitigation of environmental hazards.
When acquiring land to construct new buildings or begin new projects, businesses face a multitude of complex transactions. Large scale extractive and infrastructure projects have become far more conscious of the social challenges involved, but there is a danger that the impact of these transactions on children can be overlooked. Children have little or no recourse to make demands, or even articulate their needs in this situation. Your company can bring visibility and a voice to families and children whose wellbeing is ignored.
What your company can do:
- Bring a child-sensitive approach to environmental impact assessments and siting designs.
- Target and monitor emissions standards and/or toxicity levels.
- Provide environmentally safe facilities and housing for children.
- Assist local communities in promoting environmental awareness and action with a focus on involving local children and youth.
- Look at national safeguards and international performance standards, like those of the IFC, from a children’s rights perspective.
- Consult with affected community leaders, including indigenous ones, to better understand the customary rules concerning children and community dynamics.
- Ensure that women’s and children’s rights are protected when your company acquires resources and property.
- Create your own initiatives to mitigate the negative long-term impact of land acquisition on local communities.
- Ensure that relocated families have adequate housing, supporting documents, and access to basic services.