<<Print>>

The National Coalition on Mining (NCOM) has called for urgent implementation of recommendations of the state of human rights
report in mining communities and to protect the rights of all affected or involved in mining.

In 2006, NCOM submitted complaints to Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on human rights abuses perpetrated by mining companies, the police and the military against people living in communities affected by mining.

Consequently, CHRAJ commissioned investigations into the alleged abuses of the social and economic rights of the communities affected by mining.

In CHRAJ's report of findings launched on Thursday, the Commission listed inadequate compensation for destroyed properties, unacceptable alternative livelihood projects, absence of channels of communication between companies and communities and excesses against galamseys which include health problems attributed to mining, reckless spillage of cyanide and unfulfilled promises of employment.

The NCOM said the report and its recommendations must serve as a wake up call not only to the mining companies but also to the law enforcement agencies in their statutory responsibility to protect and promote the human rights and freedoms of citizens.

While commending CHRAJ for conducting the investigation, the NCOM pledged to work with the CHRAJ and all institutions to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the report.

The NCOM also commended the media for highlighting human rights abuses and concerns in the mining communities.



Source: GNA
RE