...Citi maintains a general practice of not commenting on specific clients, projects, or transactions out of respect for client confidentiality. We are committed to respecting human rights wherever we do business. We engage with a range of stakeholders, including clients and civil society organizations, to support our efforts to respect human rights in line with the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We have detailed processes to evaluate potential environmental and social risks of proposed transactions in accordance with our Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) Policy. You can find a public summary of this policy in our Environmental and Social Policy Framework, and annual ESRM reporting in our ESG Report. You can also find additional information about how we work to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples in our financing and due diligence in our Indigenous Peoples report.

We were disappointed to learn of the threats received by Olivia Bisa Tirko and strongly condemn any such actions. We would like to take this opportunity to emphasize our position regarding the protection of human rights defenders. Citi is acutely aware of the risks faced by human rights defenders and aims to address these concerns with our clients whenever such issues are identified. We unequivocally condemn threats to human rights defenders whether directly, indirectly, or by any entities that we finance or any third parties acting on their behalf. Risks to human rights defenders are discussed and recognized in our Statement on Human Rights. In addition, risks to Indigenous Peoples are recognized as an “Area of High Caution” in our Environmental and Social Policy Framework and Indigenous Peoples report, requiring special attention and enhanced due diligence...