Voice & Privacy

Business operations diminish livelihood opportunities for surrounding community

Communities living near or in the way of large projects are often at risk of losing their livelihoods due to environmental degradation, land use changes, and industrial pollution. New workers at project sites may also push up prices in housing and basic goods. Furthermore, sudden economic growth can upend social harmony, impacting traditional beliefs, increasing inequality, and diluting social cohesion. Unaddressed, these factors may adversely impact on the right to life, liberty, and security of person and the right to adequate standard of living for self and family.

Relevant Human Rights Instruments

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, Articles 3, 25
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966, Articles 6, 9
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966, Article 9

SDG 1

NO POVERTY

SDG 1.2

When businesses work to ensure that community livelihoods are not impacted by their operations, they contribute to SDG 1.2: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance.

SDG 2

ZERO HUNGER

SDG 2.1

When businesses work to ensure that community livelihoods are not impacted by their operations, they contribute to SDG 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

SDG 3

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

SDG 3.9

When businesses work to ensure that community livelihoods are not impacted by their operations, they contribute to SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

SDG 6

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

SDG 6.4

When businesses work to ensure that community livelihoods are not impacted by their operations, they contribute to SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.