Business and Human Rights in Viet Nam: The Human Rights Implication of Involuntary Resettlements for Hydro Power Dams

Abstract

This article explores how business activities have impacted on human rights in the energy industry by looking at the implications of the involuntary resettlements in hydro power dam projects in the affected communities in Viet Nam. It argues that despite the government’s consideration of hydropower as a main avenue to meet the need for energy demands with huge potential benefit for the national economy, the development of hydroelectric projects in Viet Nam has had certain human rights concerns. The risk for human rights violation may occur at any stage before, during and after the implementing of dam development projects. However, the most affected group is the displaced people as the result of the involuntary resettlement process. While the government has issued some policies, strategies and programmes to affected communities, these responses, however, were insufficient to adress concerns and lacked a human rights based approach. This article finds that the people and community being displaced due to the construction of the dam have been facing a number of human rights concerns, including the violation of particular rights such as the right to livelihood/food security, right to land, and the right to culture.