USA Africa Dialogue Series - Sustainable Mining: Unearthing human rights challenges and opportunities

Without adherence to human rights standards, mining can cause loss of land and livelihoods, degradation of land and waterways, and increased violence and conflict. The most marginalised members of communities – such as women, children and Indigenous Peoples – tend to both be excluded from the economic benefits of mining, and tend to bear the brunt of any negative social and environmental impacts.

Australian mining companies operating overseas face significant challenges in relation to human rights, especially those that operate in conflict and post - conflict zones, and where governance is weak. With so many Australian companies operating in the countries of Africa, and throughout the Asia-pacific region, a rights-based approach to managing business decisions and practice is necessary.

Putting human rights information in the public domain sends a very strong signal to all company staff that human rights is an issue of fundamental concern to the company. In doing so it can drive increased employee engagement on the issue and assist in delivering on human rights priorities. Despite the high cost of assurance, some participants explained that their Boards demanded this as it provides the best guarantee that sustainability reports are based on fact.

Sustainability reports without independent assurance were also noted as lacking credibility with investors. Increasingly businesses are demanding assurance from other businesses in their supply chains.

More http://www.mwanabidii.com/forumdisplay.php?56-Mining

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