▶️ The post Mining corporates must fulfil their human rights responsibilities in SA appeared first on Corruption Watch.
By Refilwe Chulu – IN SUMMARY:
- Corporations increasingly threaten human rights, prioritizing profits over ethical practices.
- Human rights violations are common in all business sectors, especially mining.
- Mining in rural South Africa disrupts communities dependent on land and livestock.
- Communities face land deprivation, environmental damage, and biodiversity loss due to mining.
- Rural protests highlight dissatisfaction with mining’s impact on the environment and livelihoods.
- Examples include Marikana, Ikwezi coal mine protests, and Xolobeni’s decade-long campaign against mining.
- Communities demand meaningful consultation and consent before mining starts.
- Corporations’ economic power weakens government authority, especially in developing nations.
- South Africa lacks specific laws to hold businesses accountable for human rights violations.
- The UN Guiding Principles (UNGP) call for businesses to respect human rights and contribute to global goals.
- The South African Human Rights Commission promotes corporate responsibility in human rights.BHRDD (Business and Human Rights Due Diligence) could address human rights violations by enhancing transparency and accountability.
- BHRDD helps prevent corruption and ensures ethical corporate behaviour.
- It focuses on companies’ efforts to prevent harm rather than just outcomes.
- There’s a need for laws ensuring mining companies respect human rights and act responsibly.
- Governments should hold businesses accountable, ensuring their operations align with constitutional values.
