{"id":3094,"date":"2023-08-14T21:03:32","date_gmt":"2023-08-14T21:03:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bhrtr.org\/?p=3094"},"modified":"2023-08-14T21:04:09","modified_gmt":"2023-08-14T21:04:09","slug":"akbelen-from-business-and-human-rights-lens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bhrtr.org\/en\/2023\/08\/14\/akbelen-from-business-and-human-rights-lens\/","title":{"rendered":"“Akbelen” from Business and Human Rights Lens"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”8%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_b_to_right_t” overlay_strength=”1″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

Background<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1986<\/strong>: <\/span>The Yenik\u00f6y-Kemerk\u00f6y Thermal Power Plants which have been operating in the \u0130kizk\u00f6y region of Mu\u011fla became operational. Today, the plants meet approximately 2% of T\u00fcrkiye’s energy consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

2014<\/strong>: <\/span>Yeniko\u0308y-Kemerko\u0308y Thermal Power Plants and Kemerk\u00f6y Port Area were privatized by Turkish Privatization Administration and the operation right was granted to I\u0307C\u0327TAS\u0327 Enerji, which submitted the highest bid of 2 billion 671 million USD. Yenik\u00f6y Kemerk\u00f6y Electricity Production Company (YK) was incorporated by I\u0307C\u0327TAS\u0327 Enerji and Limak Enerji acquired 50% of YK\u2019s shares from \u0130\u00c7TA\u015e.<\/span><\/p>\n

2021<\/strong>:<\/span> The company, which intended to expand the coal mining area used by the power plants, including the Akbelen Forest in the \u0130kizk\u00f6y region, was given permission to deforestation without an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.\u00a0<\/span>As a result of the local community’s response and the annulment lawsuit filed against the decision, a stay of execution decision was issued.<\/span><\/p>\n

2022<\/strong>: <\/span>The stay of execution decision was annulled with the expert report stating that “the forest is suitable for coal mining”.<\/span><\/p>\n

2023<\/strong>:<\/span> A new round of deforestation was begun in the region in July 2023. This led to widespread opposition from local communities, civil society organizations and public in general; which resulted in the involvement of the security forces and the suppression of the protesters.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”none” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”column_reverse” column_direction_phone=”column_reverse” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”7%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”7%” left_padding_desktop=”7%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”7%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column right_padding_desktop=”7vw” left_padding_tablet=”7vw” right_padding_tablet=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”30px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”static” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”advanced”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”none” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” right_padding_desktop=”5%” top_padding_tablet=”8%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#000000″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” stagger_animation=”true” mobile_disable_animation=”true” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”Yenik\u00f6y-Kemerk\u00f6y Thermal Power Plant and Kemerk\u00f6y Port Area Projects\u2019 Impacts on Human Rights and the Environment” font_size=”3vw” font_line_height=”1.3″][\/split_line_heading][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”none” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” right_padding_desktop=”10%” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in” mobile_disable_entrance_animation=”true” animation_easing=”easeInOutQuad” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”default”]

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    \n
  • Violation of right to live in a healthy environment people living in the surroundings<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Loss of livelihoods<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Deforestation and bio-diversity losses<\/li>\n
  • Violation of land rights and forced relocation of local communities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”0px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”relative” overflow=”hidden” advanced_gradient_angle=”180″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”advanced” advanced_gradient_display_type=”linear” column_padding_type=”advanced”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#d3dbe1″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”20px” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”hidden” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” gradient_type=”default” column_padding_type=”advanced”][image_with_animation image_url=”3120″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”zoom” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

    Upholding Human Rights Responsibilities in Project Partnerships:\u00a0<\/span>Companies, Financial Institutions and Government<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Both public and private actors which are associated to Yenik\u00f6y-Kemerk\u00f6y Thermal Power Plant and Kemerk\u00f6y Port Area Project, especially;<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Yenik\u00f6y Kemerk\u00f6y Electricity Production Company (YK), I\u0307c\u0327tas\u0327 Enerji and Limak Enerji as shareholders of YK;<\/span><\/li>\n
    • TSKB, I\u0307s\u0327 Bank, Garanti Bank, Yap\u0131 Kredi Bank, Halk Bank, Ziraat Bank as lenders to YK and its shareholders for the payment of tender price; and<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Public authorities including gendarmerie and police forces<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      have <\/span>human rights and environmental obligations<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]\n

      Going Beyond National Laws: Human Rights and Environmental Responsibility<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Mere compliance to environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and standards (especially Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation and Environment Law) applicable in T\u00fcrkiye does not waive the corporate responsibility to respect human rights.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The corporate responsibility to respect human rights under <\/span>United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights<\/span> exists above and beyond the need to comply with national laws and regulations protecting human rights and environment. It applies equally where relevant domestic law is weak, absent or not enforced.<\/span><\/p>\n

      All actors associated with Yenik\u00f6y-Kemerk\u00f6y Thermal Power Plant and Kemerk\u00f6y Port Area should seek ways to abide by internationally recognized human rights.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]\n

      Integrating Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence and Stakeholder Engagement in Project Partnerships<\/span><\/h2>\n
        \n
      • Project partners need to conduct a human rights and environmental due diligence to identify the potential and actual adverse human rights impacts of the project; specifically focusing on environmental impacts, to then act and communicate upon them.
        \n<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Since the stakeholder engagement is crucial in HREDD, the project partners need to engage in an effective open dialogue with local communities and other stakeholders (e.g. NGOs and human rights defenders).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]\n

        Violation of Key Principles UN Global Compact Commitment<\/span><\/h2>\n
          \n
        • Limak Enerji is a United Nations Global Compact signatory, thereby committing to comply with its Ten Principles.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • However, with the implementation of Yenik\u00f6y-Kemerk\u00f6y Thermal Power Plant and Kemerk\u00f6y Port Area Projects\u2019, the following principles are violated:<\/span>\n
            \n
          • \n

            Principle 1<\/strong>:<\/span> Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Principle 2<\/strong>:<\/span> Businesses should make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Principle<\/strong> 7<\/strong>: <\/span>Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Principle<\/strong> 8<\/strong>: <\/span>Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Principle<\/strong> 9<\/strong>: <\/span>Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_gallery type=”flickity_static_height_style” images=”3095,3097,3099,3101,3103,3105,3107″ flickity_spacing=”default” flickity_controls=”pagination” flickity_overflow=”hidden” flickity_wrap_around=”wrap” flickity_box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” onclick=”link_no”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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