Human Rights Complaint Filed Against Mega First

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Complaint Filed With Malaysian Human Rights Commission Against Mega First, Developer of the Don Sahong Dam

A meeting between EarthRights International and Cambodian communities about the planned Don Sahong DamA meeting between EarthRights International and Cambodian communities about the planned Don Sahong DamBy EarthRights International

In October 2014, six national, regional and international NGOs filed a complaint with the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) against Mega First Corporation Berhad the Malaysian developer of the Don Sahong Dam on the Mekong River. The complaint, which was filed on behalf of communities in Cambodia and Thailand whose lives and livelihoods would be impacted by the 260MW hydropower project, asks SUHAKAM to investigate the likelihood and severity of the violation of the rights of Mekong Communities as a result of Mega First’s implementation of the project so far. In particular the rights of Mekong communities to information regarding the impacts of the Don Sahong Dam and the right to participate in the decision-making and approval of projects that affect their lives. 

The complaint highlights the failure of Mega-First to understand the likely impacts of the project and take action to minimize its harm on local communities. The Don Sahong Dam is located less than two kilometers from the Cambodian border. However despite warnings from experts, including the Mekong River Commission, and requests from Mekong governments and communities, Mega-First has never adequately studied the dam’s transboundary impacts.

The complaint is currently under review by SUHAKAM.

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