The ECGD and the Human Rights Act - The Corner House
As a public authority, the UK Export Credits Guarantees Department (ECGD) is bound by the UK Human Rights Act, which became law in October 2000. Although the ECGD is committed to taking into account the human rights impacts of the projects it supports, many of its procedures potentially conflict with the Act's key provisions. For example, the ECGD's failure to require the release of Environmental Impact Assessments is a potential breach.

Export Credits - For Whom? For What? - The Corner House
Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) are the dinosaurs of public finance institutions. Whereas International Finance Institutions like the World Bank have introduced (albeit weak) mandatory sustainable development guidelines, ECAs (with notable exceptions) have resisted moves to screen projects for their environmental, human rights and development impacts. International NGOs are calling for major reforms. Unless ECAs can demonstrate a public purpose, ensured through mandatory sustainable development standards, the subsidies they provide have no legitimacy - and their days may be numbered.

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