Our Land Was Like A Gold Mine

In January 2011, over 400 families in Northern Haiti were displaced from their farmland to make way for the Caracol Industrial Park. Against all odds, and after years of effort, they succeeded in negotiating an agreement through the Inter-American Development Bank that promised to restore their livelihoods. But the signing of the agreement was only the beginning of another struggle for implementation. Though many families have received their promised benefits, including replacement land, challenges remain.

As implementation of the agreement draws to a close, join us for a panel discussion and reception reflecting on this remarkable case and the lessons it holds for accountability advocates and development actors worldwide.

On two panels, a diverse range of speakers will share insights on the Haitian grassroots organizing at the heart of the case, the advantages and challenges of pursuing dispute resolution at international financial institutions, and the experience of implementing a remedy agreement in a country context of fragility and violence.

A reception following (7-8pm) will offer an opportunity for further conversation over refreshments.

Panel Moderators:

Scott Freeman, American University

Megan Pearson, Accountability Counsel

Welcoming remarks:

David Hunter, American University, Washington College of Law

Panelists

4:45pm Panel #1: The Caracol project and displacement in the context of Haiti

Jake Johnston, Center for Economic and Policy Research

Koldo Echebarria, Center for Global Development, Former Country Director IDB Haiti

Castin Milostène, AREDE Haiti

Megumi Tsustui, Accountability Counsel

Break with refreshments

6:00pm Panel #2: The IDB complaint process, outcomes, and lessons

María Camila Barriga, Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism, IDB

Megumi Tsutsui, Accountability Counsel

[IDB representative tbd]

Castin Milostène, AREDE Haiti

7:00 pm Reception

Read our recent publication, "After the Agreement: Implementing Remedy for Displacement in Northern Haiti” in Kreyol, Spanish, and English.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mary Graydon Center, American Unversity, third floor, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, United States