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Article

27 Apr 2016

Author:
EarthRights International & International Rivers

Malaysia Human Rights Commission says it has no mandate to investigate Laos dam; issues recommendations to govt. & Mega First on rights impacts of operating abroad

"Human Rights Commission Report Highlights Lack of Accountability in Don Sahong Dam Project"

The National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has published the outcome of a groundbreaking complaint against Malaysian company Mega First Corporation Berhad for the construction of the Don Sahong Dam in Lao PDR in their newly released 2015 Annual Report. The complaint, filed by a coalition of communities and local and international NGOs in October 2014, sought an investigation into the transboundary environmental and social impacts of the Don Sahong Dam on Thai and Cambodian communities. The project threatens devastating losses to fish catch – the communities' primary source of food and livelihoods. The complainants asked SUHAKAM to conduct an inquiry into the project and require Mega First to comply with national and international human rights standards, including the responsibility to respect community rights to life and livelihoods and to meaningfully consult with those affected by the project.

SUHAKAM initially accepted the complaint and conducted separate meetings with Mega First, but ultimately concluded in its report last week that it lacked the mandate to investigate a transboundary case and therefore could not proceed further with the inquiry. Although SUHAKAM decided that they could not investigate, they issued recommendations to both the Malaysian government and Mega First on the human rights and environmental impacts of companies operating abroad…

Part of the following timelines

NGOs, Cambodian & Thai villagers ask Malaysia Human Rights Commission to investigate Mega First for Laos dam project

National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia responds to complaint about adverse environmental & social impacts of Don Sahong dam construction