International Rivers celebrates the historic advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice on the obligations of states concerning climate change. This landmark ruling marks a pivotal moment in international environmental law and climate justice, affirming the urgent and existential threat posed by climate change and underscoring states’ legal duties to protect the environment,…
Read MoreUniting Against Mega-Dams: Civil Society Mobilizes in Kinshasa
Demystifying the Financiers Behind Mega-Dams By Siziwe Mota – Africa Program Director In late June, the city of Kinshasa became the center of critical reflection and strategy for African civil society organizations and community representatives opposing the high costs of large hydropower projects. Hosted by International Rivers, a two-day workshop brought together NGO and community…
Read MoreDRC and African civil society sign on to a statement calling on the World Bank to reconsider $250 million initial financing for the Inga 3 Dam
On June 3, 2025, the World Bank approved $250 million funding for the Inga 3 Dam, a mega hydropower project on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). At International Rivers, we believe that healthy rivers and empowered communities are essential to building a just, climate-resilient future, and we support Congolese community…
Read MoreInternational Rivers statement on Brazil dismantling key environmental protections
International Rivers expresses its profound concern over yesterday’s passage of Bill 2159/21 in the Brazilian Congress, which guts key, longstanding procedures for environmental licensing. If signed into law by President Lula, this legislation would undo decades of progress that has been instrumental in limiting the environmental and social harms from extractive projects and infrastructure projects…
Read MoreCommunities Voice Support for Legal Protections for the Tapajós and Arapiuns Rivers
For centuries, Indigenous communities in the Tapajós River basin have fostered a spiritual connection to their river. “The Tapajós River is a precious river. It is a road, a source of life, of drinking and bathing. It is also a provider: There are tracajá, fish, all these animals that are very important to us,” Father…
Read MoreFour Years On: Free Dang Dinh Bach, Environmental Lawyer and Climate Leader
By Maureen Harris, Senior Advisor June 24, 2025, marks a grim anniversary: four years since environmental lawyer Dang Dinh Bach was unjustly arrested in Vietnam. Bach’s imprisonment — deemed arbitrary by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention — is a profound injustice, silencing an important voice dedicated to a more sustainable future for communities…
Read MoreStatement: Four Years Too Long: Free Dang Dinh Bach
June 24, 2025 – Four years ago this month, environmental lawyer and climate justice advocate Dang Dinh Bach (Bach) was unjustly arrested in his home and imprisoned by the Vietnamese authorities. As we mark the fourth anniversary of his detention, we renew our urgent call for his immediate and unconditional release. Bach’s imprisonment represents a…
Read MoreWho Really Benefits From Hydropower?
Centering communities in the debate on large-scale dams and development finance By Genny Ngende, Africa Program Senior Campaign Coordinator As part of our multi-layered advocacy strategy to expose the environmental and human rights impacts of large-scale hydropower projects, International Rivers recently engaged with international financial institutions at two major global forums: the Finance in Common…
Read MoreLeadership Transition at International Rivers
Dear International Rivers Community, The Board of Directors wishes to express our gratitude and appreciation to Isabella Winkler for her dedicated service and significant contributions as Co-Director of International Rivers. Over the past three years, Isabella has played a vital role in navigating the organization through challenging times and implementing substantial positive changes. Her strategic vision…
Read MorePress Release | World Bank Approves Controversial Inga 3 Dam in DRC Despite Steep Human and Environmental Cost
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2025 MEDIA CONTACTS: Siziwe Mota, Africa Program Director of International Rivers, smota@internationalrivers.org, +27 608351354 Emmanuel Musuyu, Executive Secretary, CORAP, emmamus023@gmail.com +243 81169 7699 WASHINGTON, DC – The World Bank today approved an initial $250 million in financing for the first phase of the Inga 3 hydropower project in the Democratic Republic…
Read MoreHow Free-Flowing Rivers Support Communities and Ecosystems
Free-flowing rivers operate as the arteries of our planet. They connect high mountains to lush, food-generating lakes, deltas, and coasts. Free-flowing rivers help regulate natural carbon cycles and influence weather patterns. They evoke a sense of awe and provide food, freshwater, medicinal herbs, transportation, economic security, recreation, and more. Indigenous communities regard them as sacred,…
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