Corporate accountability

Many developing countries and economies in transition depend on foreign direct investment and multinational corporations to exploit their natural resources. However, large corporations are not always held accountable for the environmental and social impacts of their operations.

At times multinational corporations are granted special legal privileges and immunities. More often, their huge economic influence coupled with weak governance and civil society structures in the host country allows them to get away with behaviour that negatively affects communities and the environment.

FIELD's paper on Community Redress and Multinational Enterprises, commissioned by Christian Aid and Friends of the Earth, examines the options for and obstacles to international approaches to community redress for the harmful effects of multinationals' activities. At present, we are carrying out research on redress and grievances mechanisms established by companies to deal with complaints from groups and communities. The first findings are summarised in a recent briefing paper - 'Building public trust: transnationals in the community'.

'Taking control: how citizens can hold industry to account' - a joint FIELD and IIED briefing paper, looking at the activities of the extractive industries and their impact on local communities and the environment.