Official investigation finds ADB failed to consult Samoan people before pushing harmful land reforms

(Apia) – The Asian Development Bank’s internal watchdog has found there is evidence that ADB violated its operational policies in advising the Government of Samoa to adopt controversial land and financial sector reforms. The decision from the ADB Compliance Review Panel came after a preliminary investigation into a complaint submitted by a group of Matai […]

Samoan chiefs to the Asian Development Bank: Hands off our customary land

(Apia) – A group of village chiefs filed an official complaint to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today, objecting to a series of ADB-backed reforms that could lead to the alienation of customary land. The chiefs are gravely concerned that the reforms, which have been carried out without meaningful consultation of Samoan people, could have […]