Voices from the Darker Side of Development

Abstract

Development as a human rights concept conjures up images of progress and betterment, of people being lifted out of poverty and hardship. Voices from the Darker Side of Development unsettles this notion, offering counter perspectives that are often left out of dominant human rights discourse and scholarship. From mining projects on Indigenous lands to the harmful impacts of seemingly positive programs like clinical volunteerism and welfare, the book shows how the notion of “development” is weaponised to justify the denial of vulnerable peoples’ human rights. The book is a project where human rights academics and students enter into dialogue. Student papers from the Centre for Human Rights Education, Australia, sit alongside critical reflections on the history of development discourse and human rights pedagogy from leading human rights scholars. The book shows how scholars and students can work together to challenge the persistent lie of “progress” and champion those who are silenced by the darker side of development.