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Message from

Mary Robinson
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

to the
Launch of the Report of the World Commission on Dams
London, 16 November 2000


I salute the launch of the World Commission on Dams report - Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making as a landmark document. I regret that I am unable to be present to express my sincere appreciation to the Commission’s Chair, my good friend and former teacher, Kader Asmal, and to the members of the Commission for their invaluable contribution to one of key issues we face today: how to harmonize economic, social and environmental objectives for the benefit of all people.

I welcome the Commission’s decision to place the report and its recommendations within a human rights framework. The Commission’s conclusions are undeniable evidence that rights-based approaches have moved beyond theory and are taking centre stage in today’s development discourse. They also highlight the growing recognition that, in an age of globalization, greater efforts can and must be made to reconcile the need for economic growth with the need to protect the dignity of individuals, the cultural heritage of communities and the health of the environment we all share.

The report offers a new policy framework which I believe can be a useful model not only in the area of water and energy resources but also for other development issues which impact so profoundly on the fundamental rights of individuals. A central concept in the report is that of “rights and risks”, based around consultative decision-making. This approach takes into account the legitimate claims and entitlements of all stakeholders affected by proposed dam projects and at the same time seeks to understand the impact which such projects have on the environment, local communities, indigenous cultures and their livelihoods. Reflection on these different dimensions should culminate in a process which, in the words of the report, “gives all key stakeholders a voice and a full opportunity to participate in decision-making, seeks the broadest reasonable consensus, and is transparent in the criteria used for reaching a decision."


The nature of the Commission itself should not go unnoticed. The Commission’s members, a diverse group of experts from civil society, industry and the public sector have provided an important example of the potential of "global public policy networks" that were highlighted in UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Millennium Report. The Commission has rightly noted that while such networks can help to build consensus and reach practical solutions to difficult issues, they do not imply that the role of government in ensuring respect for human rights has become less important. Lasting progress in human rights requires first and foremost that governments live up to the letter of their commitments. But, as the Commission’s work has shown so clearly, progress also requires innovative, mutually beneficial partnerships at all levels between governments, civil society, international organizations and all others committed to a world where fundamental rights are guaranteed.

The World Commission on Dams has done the international community a great service through the compilation of closely argued analysis and concrete recommendations. It has done more: it has provided us all with a road map for moving forward in our shared responsibility to make all human rights a reality for all people. I offer my congratulations to the Commission and to all those who have contributed to its vital work.



Mary Robinson
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights