Oxfam has launched a campaign on the issue of ‘land-grabbing’ – or what others would call ‘large-scale land acquisitions’ – in developing countries around the world, including by foreign governments or companies, with the World Bank primarily in its sights. This note is a brief introduction to the debate, current multilateral initiatives on the issue and the stance of the UK Government.
Large-scale land acquisitions in developing countries – camouflage for ‘land grabbing’? (118 KB, PDF)
Oxfam has launched a campaign on the issue of ‘land-grabbing’ – or what others would call ‘large-scale land acquisitions’ – in developing countries around the world, including by foreign governments or companies. Sub-Saharan Africa is viewed as the epicentre of the phenomenon. Some view it as a crucial motor of development and improved food security; others as the latest incarnation of ‘neo-colonialism’. The debate is an impassioned one.
This note describes the current Oxfam campaign to persuade the World Bank to introduce a six-month moratorium on agricultural lending that involves large-scale land acquisitions while it reviews its policies to prevent its loans being used for ‘land grabbing’, along with the response of the World Bank to the campaign. It also includes recent UK Government statements on the issue and a brief survey of current multilateral initiatives.
It should also be noted that the International Development Committee has begun an inquiry into Global Food Security.
Large-scale land acquisitions in developing countries – camouflage for ‘land grabbing’? (118 KB, PDF)
This House of Commons Library briefing paper examines suicide prevention policies and strategies throughout the UK. It outlines national and local approaches to prevention policy in England, as well as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill 2019-2021 was introduced in the House of Commons in March 2020. It was introduced in the House Lords unamended in November 2020. Commons consideration of Lords amendments is scheduled for 21 April 2021.
A "Debate on a Motion on Mass Human Rights Abuses and Crimes Against Humanity in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region" has been scheduled for Thursday 22 April 2021 in the main House of Commons Chamber. The debate was selected by the Backbench Business Committee.
