The potential impact of the sector depends significantly on how States and companies operate. For example, States may enter into contracts with foreign investors (so-called “state-investor contracts”) for the exploration and extraction of natural resources. These contracts set out the terms of engagement and responsibilities of the respective parties. Given the potential for adverse human rights impacts, it is crucial that human rights considerations are included in the negotiation and content of such contracts (UN Principles for Responsible Contracts).
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States have taken action to address risks in the Extractives Sector. For example, at the national level in the US, Section 1502 of the Dodd Frank Act, or the conflict minerals provision, was passed by Congress in 2010. By requiring companies using those minerals to assess whether they originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo or an adjoining country, the provision seeks to stem labour and human rights abuse and the financing of armed conflict from trade in conflict minerals. If found, companies are required to conduct due diligence of their supply chain to ensure that their purchases have not financed conflict in the region.
There have also been initiatives at the regional level. The EU adopted the Conflict Minerals Regulation in 2017, regarding supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The EU also adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act in 2024 which introduced a regulatory framework to strengthen the sustainability and circularity of critical raw materials in EU value chains, while the EU Batteries Regulation, which entered into force in 2023, strengthens sustainability rules for batteries (composed of raw materials including cobalt, nickel, and lithium) and their waste. In addition, the EU adopted the Deforestation Regulation in 2023, which promotes the consumption of ‘deforestation-free’ products and reducing the EU’s impact on global deforestation and forest degradation, including in the forestry sector.
At the global level, since 2000, states and regional integration organisations have been able to join the Kimberly Process, which is an international certification scheme, underpinned by a UN mandate, to regulate trade in rough diamonds and prevent the flow of conflict diamonds. Another global standard is the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which promotes and facilitates revenue transparency by governments and companies. Countries that sign up to EITI must publish what they received from extractives industries companies, and companies must publish what they pay. This transparency can facilitate efforts to hold States accountable for the accurate accounting of public revenue from the extractives industries. The Africa Mining Vision (AMV) was adopted by Heads of State at the 2009 African Union Summit to promote transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources. The AMV draws on trends and governance practices from other states, to make recommendations to African mining companies and mineral-rich countries. In terms of industry initiatives and organisations, many companies in the sector participate in the International Council on Mining and Minerals (ICMM) and the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA), which provide guidance and require members to adhere to best-practice frameworks for sustainable development in the extractives industries. Other innovative initiatives for the sector include the Dutch International Responsible Business Conduct Agreement for the Metals Sector and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance. With an eye towards gender implications, in 2019, the Danish Institute for Human Rights published a report which examines key challenges and good practice opportunities for practitioners working in and with the extractive industries to embed a gender-responsive approach in project planning and implementation. In particular, the report explores how strengthened engagement with women can act as a key enabler for human rights due diligence.
Efforts to mitigate climate change and transition away from fossil fuels and towards a low-carbon economy have increased global demand for the extraction of so-called ‘transition minerals’ used in electrification, renewable energy generation, electric mobility and new forms of energy storage. This shift brings with it the risk of exacerbating existing development disparities and environmental and social impacts. The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre’s Transition Minerals Tracker tracks mining operations linked to renewable energy and electric vehicles. Between 2010 and 2024, it has tracked 835 allegations, including 157 attacks on human rights defenders, and disaggregates data on these allegations by impact category, country and company, among other things.
Overall, the extractives sector can make a significant contribution to the economic aspects of development under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through its potential to contribute to job creation and economic growth (Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9). However, the activities of this sector also present risks to SDGs related to the environment and climate (notably SDGs 7, 12, 13, 14 and 15) – all of which have human rights dimensions – as well as for land rights (SDGs 1.4 and 2.3), food security (SDG 2) and health and wellbeing (SDG 3), among other things.
No references.
What National Action Plans say on Extractives sector
Belgium (2017 - open)
Action point 13
Strengthen and monitor the respect for human rights in public procurement
The federal government states that the Working Group on Sustainable Public Procurement of the Interdepartmental Commission for Sustainable Development will examine how to strengthen and optimize the integration of respect for human rights into the purchasing policy of the public authorities. To this end, in consultation with the government and stakeholders concerned, including the sectoral federations, the working group will formulate a series of proposals with particular attention to hazardous sectors such as the apparel industry, the extractives industry etc.
Strand 1: Training in the Field of Business and Human Rights
Action Point 1.8 (page 43)
The Ministry of Mining will organise talks and/or seminars about the inclusion of human rights standards in the development of mining projects.
Strand 3: Inclusion and Non-Discrimination
Action Point 3.3 (page 48)
The Ministry of Mining will generate the conditions for transiting to an inclusive organisational structure that includes the acknowledgement of respect and diversity in their practices. They will do this carrying out the following actions:
Talks about business and human rights addressed at key actors in the small, medium and large-scale mining industry.
Through the participation in Regional Boards and in the National Board for Women and Mining, the development of an action plan will be supported to raise awareness and motivate the different public and private actors involved in the mining industry in subjects such as gender equality. Likewise, the implementation of conditions for women to stay and develop a career in the mining industry and get equal pay will be fostered, as well as the creation of good labour practices and the balance between work, family and personal life.
Strand 9: State Business Enterprises
Action Point 9.3 (page 50)
To strengthen coordination between the Ministries forming part of the Inter-Ministerial Working Group, amplify the impact of this Action Plan, and make known its progress, the Group will carry out the following actions: …
2. Encourage the adoption of policies, statements or codes of conduct by business enterprises and urge the implementation of mechanisms of due diligence.
i. Fundamental Pillar 1: The State’s obligation to protect human rights
(…)
Strand 2 [Eje nº 2]: Encourage the creation of regulations and strategies that promote respect for human rights in the development of business activities.
(…)
The Ministry of Mines and Energy [Minminas] together with the National Hydrocarbons Agency, the National Mining Agency and the Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) [Unidad de Planeación Minero Energética, UPME] will form and implement the Human Rights and Energy Working Group.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy [Minminas] will formulate and implement gender guidelines for the mining and energy sector.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy [Minminas] will implement the lines of action that respond to the public policy on Human Rights in the sector, in coordination with the entities of the mining and energy sector.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy [Minminas]will build the human rights risk map for the mining and energy sector in prioritised territories.
“The question of business and human rights was thrust into the public consciousness in the 1990s. With modern business no longer confined by the borders of nation states, production and extraction operations are free to roam in pursuit of the right raw materials, economic conditions and labour.”
Most serious infringements of working conditions [page 16]
“Between 2009 and 2011, there were several cases of large-scale labour exploitation involving up to several hundred workers in the forestry sector (Finding of the Constitutional Court II. ÚS 3436/14 of 19 January 2016 and Finding of the Constitutional Court I. ÚS 3196/12 of 12 August 2014).”
Supply chains and conflict minerals [page 20-21]
“Implements Principles 6 and 7
Increasing attention is being paid to safety conditions at work (e.g. the use of slave and child labour in mining). Risks of this type are particularly serious in areas plagued by armed conflict, which can be attributed to the absence of state authority here. Raw materials imported from geopolitically unstable regions and flashpoints may be used as a source of funding to reconstruct the country and improve the conditions in which its inhabitants live. On the other hand, various groups may exploit slave or child labour in mining operations or in factories, and the proceeds from sales could then be used to pay for weapons and soldiers. The raw materials they have mined and the products they have made are then sold on the global market, often without the buyers knowing their provenance.
This is a problem that needs to be tackled internationally. One solution lies in certification schemes proving the origin of raw materials. The certification authority guarantees that workers’ rights have not been infringed during mining or production. These certificates are issued by state and international organisations on the one hand, and private issuers on the other. Current legislation allows the public sector to take into account or to demand this certification in the course of procurement, in which case it is only necessary to comply with the conditions of transparency, equal treatment and non-discrimination. [Judgment of the EU Court of Justice of 10 May 2012 in European Commission v Kingdom of the Netherlands (C-368/10)]
Current state of play:
At EU level, a regulation on “conflict minerals” has been adopted in order to standardise procedure in all EU Member States.
European Commission is working with the OECD to establish criteria for internal control and regulatory mechanisms at businesses.
Numerous voluntary certification schemes run by states and international organisations on the one hand and the private sector on the other attempt to map out the origin of raw materials and supply chains.
The Dodd-Frank Act in the US requires a certificate of origin for certain raw materials. This is also relevant to the Czech Republic inasmuch as it also applies to foreign subcontractors.
Under the new European rules on non-financial reporting, companies will also publish information on their supply chains.
The Czech Republic was involved in the consultation and approval of the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture will arrange for this Guidance to be published and publicised at their seminars and workshops.
The Czech Republic was involved in the consultation and approval of OECD recommendations on the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and Due Diligence Guidance for Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement in the Extractive Sector. The Ministry of Industry and Trade IS now considering how they can best be implemented in the Czech Republic.
Tasks:
Establish one or more competent bodies responsible for the application, in the Czech Republic, of Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas, and notify that body (those bodies) to the European Commission.
Coordinator: Ministry of Trade and Industry
Deadline: 9 December 2017
In the public sector’s procurement of high-risk products and raw materials, consider giving preference to suppliers participating in recognised certification schemes.
Coordinators: All ministries
Deadline: Running”
Pillar II, Scope and content of the obligation to respect human rights [page 30]
“For businesses, there are three dimensions to respect for human rights: …
Do not be associated with violations of human rights: This applies to other parties’ activities about which a business knows, on which it has a bearing, and/or which are closely related to its own business, and may encompass:
Lending for a mining project that permanently damages the environment. …”
“The international interest in raw materials is increasing. Whilst the materials may be used as a resource supporting development, there is also a risk of ambiguities related to the funds received from raw materials and/or the funds being used to support conflicts. The European Commission has made a proposal to establish a due diligence system for the union based on a spontaneous declaration by the responsible importers of certain minerals originating in conflict zones and high-risk areas.
The Commission proposal has taken into consideration both the OECD Guidance for mineral purchasing in conflict zones as well as the OECD and UN guidelines more generally related to responsible supply chain management. The proposal is currently being discussed on the national level. Finland actively participates in the discussion of the proposal in the Council working group.
As for the more general responsible acquisition of raw materials, the new EU accounting directive obliges companies operating in oil, gas, extractive industry and loggers of primary forests to report on the fees paid to governments in connection with the financial statement8. The directive is currently being implemented in Finland.
As a follow-up measure, the working group proposes that
Finland actively participate in the discussion of the proposal for a regulation on conflict minerals and in the discussion for the development of practices for responsible supply chains in the raw material sectors.
Principal responsible party: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, continuous activities.”
3 Expectations towards companies and support services
3.1 Clarification of due diligence [page 26]
WHAT IS SUFFICIENT?
“As a follow-up measure, the working group proposes that • companies, non-governmental organisations and other key stakeholders are invited to a roundtable discussion by branch of activity. For example, the discussion could begin with the forest industry, the consumer goods trade and the textile industry. With the discussions, an attempt shall be made to create a dialogue amongst various stakeholders and to establish the essential risks for each branch of activity as well as sufficient risk management and due diligence.”
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) [page 28]
… [AFD] also has an exclusion list which prevents it from financing projects that involve … diamond mining activities outside of the Kimberley Process.
Actions Underway:
When evaluating extractive industry projects, the AFD ensures that funding recipients comply with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), without excluding those who respect EITI standards but are not based in EITI countries.
15. Economic Sectors and Human Rights
The Extractive Sector [page 34]
the NAP cites France’s participation in multilateral and european initiatives aiming to strengthen the legal and normative frameworks regulating companies in the extractive sector, in particular in contexts of fragile governance: France participates in the monitoring and contributes to the funding of the implementation of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas (paragraph 3, p36); France participated in the development and adoption of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement in the Extractive Sector (paragraph 4,p36); it played a major role at the EU in negotiations regarding the regulation on conflict minerals and was one of the first European countries to transpose the 26 June 2013 directive imposing obligations of transparency on extractive companies (paragraph 5,p36); and France’s President committed to adhere to the EITI (paragraph 1, p36). This section concludes by indicating that the implementation of the EITI will “contribute to enhancing the transparency of financial flows and tripartite dialogue between the State, business and civil society on the social and environmental impact of extractive activity on the national territory” (paragraph 2, p37).
Actions Underway
France has launched an ambitious process to become an EITI country.
France raises awareness among French businesses of their due diligence
obligations with respect to mineral supply chains as set out in relevant regulatory
initiatives (the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation and
national law on due diligence).
2.3 Business activity in conflict zones [page 32-33]
The current situation
“An important contribution to these efforts is being made by the deliberations, which Germany is backing, on what are known as ‘conflict minerals’, an intense discussion being conducted within both the OECD and EU frameworks. In 2011, the OECD published a guide to corporate responsibility along supply chains in which minerals from conflict zones are traded and handled. The guide, entitled OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, has also been available in German since 2015. The primary aim of the Guidance is to curb the funding of armed conflicts from the proceeds of trade in raw materials; in addition, compliance with its recommendations would help to prevent serious human rights violations, especially child labour.
The European Commission has presented a proposal for a regulation setting up a Union system for supply chain due diligence self-certification of responsible importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Based on the aforementioned OECD guide, the Commission’s draft regulation would establish a voluntary undertaking to observe due diligence rules within supply chains when importing the minerals referred to above so as to ensure that proceeds from their sale are not used to fund armed struggles in conflict zones or other high-risk areas. The European Parliament, on the other hand, expressed itself in favour of a binding instrument for downstream operators, that is to say along the whole value chain. A basic compromise has now been reached between the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission on a binding instrument focused on the upstream area, i.e. the supply chain. Further details will now have to be negotiated in the context of the trialogue conducted by the EU institutions.”
Measures
“The Federal Government is pursuing the aim of preventing the use of proceeds from the sale of tin, tantalum and tungsten, of their respective ores and of gold to fund armed struggles in conflict zones and other high-risk areas. It is committed to the establishment of binding due diligence rules, which should be proportionate and should not entail unnecessary red tape, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.”
Section 2: Current legislative and Regulatory Framework
Supply chain [page 15]
“The Government supports the proposal by the European Commission for an EU Council Regulation which provides for the establishment of an EU-wide system for supply chain due diligence of responsible importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The main objective of this proposal is to help reduce the financing of armed groups and security forces through mineral proceeds in conflict-affected and high-risk areas by supporting and further promoting responsible sourcing practices of EU companies. Of course, supply chain diligence is not limited to the extractive industries and areas of conflict.”
Annex 1 – List of additional and ongoing actions to be carried out across Government
EU and Multilateral Efforts to [page 20]
“5. Continue to participate in the Kimberley Process Certification scheme and support the scheme’s stewardship by the European Commission.
6. Support the implementation of the Regulation establishing an EU-wide system for supply chain due diligence of responsible importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.”
– the implementation of the Regulation (EU) 2017/821 on “conflict minerals”: the Regulation entered into force on 1 January 2021 and Legislative Decree No. 13 of 2 February 2021 provides for its adequate domestic implementation”” (p. 12)
IV. Italian ongoing activities and future commitments
Responsible Conduct and Due Diligence in the framework of the United Nations, OECD and European Union
“At the European level, the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 establishing supply chain Due Diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, minerals and gold, originating in conflict or high-risk areas, has recently led EU Member States to take action to adapt their legal and regulatory systems to introduce this new obligation for Union importers” (p. 44)
Internationalization of companies
“Italy acknowledges an enhanced attention to the respect of human rights in areas affected by armed conflict, where their promotion can be an essential tool to prevent conflict and rebuild more stable and peaceful societies. On this basis, and with specific reference to minerals from areas affected by conflict or at high risk – in particular in the gold sector – Italy has performed best practices through awareness campaigns and training activities in line with the OECD Guidelines on Due Diligence, as well as the relevant EU regulations. In addition, again with reference to responsible trade in minerals, Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council was adopted in 2017. This established supply chain Due Diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold, originating in conflict or high-risk zones. It has been transposed into Italian law through Legislative Decree No. 13 of 2 February 2021, which establishes Due Diligence obligations in the supply chain for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold, originating in conflict or high-risk areas.” (p. 52)
ANNEX 1 – Accountability Grid and Assessment Tools for the Implementation of the NAP
“37. Fully implement Regulation (EU) 2017/821 establishing supply chain Due Diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold, originating in conflict or high-risk areas.
38. Further promote awareness of the OECD Guides on Due Diligence for Companies Operating in Weak Governance Zones (the “Risk Awareness Tool for Multinational Companies in Weak Governance Zones” and the “Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas”).” (p. 67)
ANNEX 2 – Summary of the Results of the Assessment concerning the Implementation of the first PAN BHR
“2. What are the good practices adopted by stakeholders, in line with the measures of the first NAP BHR?
Two further relevant aspects also emerged: typical conditions of countries at high risk, depending on the introduction of strict contractual clauses for trade transactions in such contexts – also in line with Regulation (EU) 2017/821 on minerals from “conflict or high risk areas”; the obligation of Due Diligence in relation to the import of minerals.” (p. 70)
(2) Measures of the Government Promoting Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights
A. Measures Related to Domestic and Global Supply Chains and Promotion of Human Rights Due Diligence Based on the UNGPs
(Existing framework/Measures taken）
… international initiatives, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and measures against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing are being implemented, and Japan makes an active contribution to such initiatives.
CHAPTER TWO: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS AND THEMATIC AREAS OF FOCUS
2.3 Land and Natural Resources [Pages 7-8]
Additionally, Kenya has various laws and policies to ensure that communities hosting extractives projects benefit through revenues, employment of local people and utilisation of local goods and services.
The NAP consultations identified the following concerns related to land, natural resource development and business:
Lack of knowledge of existing compensation and resettlement framework for the voluntary and compulsory acquisition of land;
Lack of guidance on community consultations in the context of natural resources governance resulting in inadequate participation of local communities in decision making;
Land adjudication has not been undertaken in some areas where businesses are operating or propose to operate, complicating decisions on who the rightful parties to be consulted and compensated are;
The Mining Act has not been fully operationalised with regards to the sharing of revenues, effectively denying local communities impacted by the operations of mining companies the rights and protections under the law;
Cultural and historical barriers to access to land by women, minorities and marginalised groups such as indigenous persons. These barriers limit these groups’ participation in and decision-making power over land-related issues; and
Lack of sustainable benefits for host communities from the exploitation of natural resources despite the constitutional imperative for equitable sharing of benefits.
2.4. Revenue Transparency [Pages 9-10]
Despite the above efforts, the NAP consultations identified several challenges that affect revenue transparency:
iii. Lack of transparency in administration and management of revenues from the exploitation of natural resources including from mining and oil and gas activities.
CHAPTER THREE: POLICY ACTIONS
3.1. Pillar 1: The State Duty to Protect [Page 18]
The Government will:
x. Finalise the development of regulations to the Access to Information Act to facilitate disclosure of contracts, including those that have a significant economic and social impact in the country and join the Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) for the facilitation of revenue transparency;
Part II: Specific objectives of the National Action Plan 2020-2022
1. The state duty to protect human rights
(…)
1.8 Preparation of the implementation in Luxembourg of the EU regulation on conflict minerals
Context
The legislative challenge in 2020 is to create a regulatory framework to implement the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation. Indeed, the regulation on minerals from conflict zones will enter into force on January 1st 2021. It will be essential to involve the various stakeholders (business and civil society), and in particular those represented in the Business and Human Rights Working Group, in the reflection on the implementation of the Regulation. In this context, it should also be recalled that the government was invited by a motion of the Chamber of Deputies, in the context of the vote on the Public Procurement Act in April 2018, “to ensure that public procurement in the future incorporates the due diligence criterion at the level of metals affected by Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 (tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold).”
Objectively verifiable indicators
× Benchmark: NAP 1
Verification sources
× NAP 1 Implementation Report
× Follow-up in the Working Group on Business and Human Rights [GT « Entreprises et droits de l’Homme »]
Expected results
× Raising awareness among stakeholders
× Implementation of the Regulation according to the timetable indicated
× Predictability and legal certainty, especially for businesses
Implementation timeline
Depending on the entry into force of the Regulation
Means of implementation
× MAEE (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs), Directorate for European Affairs and International Economic Relations
The 2020-22 NAP states the second edition of the National Action Plan complements the first NAP. Additional information about the first NAP can be found here.
CHAPTER II. Actions to improve the duty of the state in protecting human rights
6. Improve occupational safety and health requirements and standards.
Actions and measures to be implemented:
(…)
Monitor and inspect the operations of enterprises in sectors with a high incidence of occupational accidents and acute poisonings (mining, extraction, construction, energy, road and transport, agriculture, warehousing) in phases and take measures to enforce occupational safety and health regulations and eliminate violations.
Time frame: 2023-2027
Criteria: Phased monitoring and inspections will be carried out and measures will be taken to enforce OSH regulations and eliminate violations.
Implementing organisations: MLSP [Ministry of Labour and Social Protection]
Jointly implementing organisations: Relevant ministries and organisations, AGS [Authority of Government Supervisory], local self-governing bodies.
10. Establish a legal framework for the consideration of human rights principles and criteria in the environmental impact assessment of mining, extractive and infrastructure projects.
Actions and measures to be implemented:
Conduct awareness raising programmes and training on environmental impact assessment in accordance with the “Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment” adopted by the 2nd Annex to Government Decision No. 58 in 2023, and create an environment that enables the participation of other stakeholders in terms of their opinion and feedback on environmental impact assessment and provide knowledge on the importance of such assessment
Time frame: 2024-2025
Criteria: The measures to improve public knowledge and awareness will be carried out in several phases. If necessary, the implementation of the regulation will be evaluated and the outcome determined.
Implementing organisations: Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET), Governors of all levels, Local self-governing bodies.
Jointly implementing organisations: MMHI [Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry], MoJHA [Ministry of Justie and Home Affairs], Secretariat of the NCHR [National committee for Human Rights].
Conduct analyses and draw conclusions on the negative human rights impacts of the small-scale, artisanal mining activities and take measures to prevent and eliminate these risks.
Time frame: 2023-2024
Criteria: Conclusions will be made and relevant measures will be planned and executed.
Implementing organisations: MMHI, Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia (MRPAM)
Jointly implementing organisations: MET
11. Strengthen the legal framework to ensure citizens’ right to live in a safe and healthy environment, prevent and eliminate negative impacts on human rights in the implementation of mining, quarrying, heavy industry, road and transport and energy infrastructure projects, resettle land evictions, value their property and provide compensation
Actions and measures to be implemented:
Ensure and protect the right of pastoralists and citizens living in active mining, road construction, transport and heavy industry areas to live in a safe and healthy environment and be protected from pollution and loss of ecological balance, identify the scope of impact, assess laws and regulations and take measures to ensure and protect their right to information, property rights and cultural rights, and strengthen the duties and responsibilities of state institutions, local government bodies and business enterprises in preventing, monitoring and eliminating negative impacts.
Time frame: 2023-2025
Criteria: The methodology for the assessment of environmental damage and the calculation of compensation will be reviewed and necessary additions and amendments will be made in relation to the determination of the area of impact and compensation for damage. Proposals for improving the legal provisions will be developed and submitted for approval.
Implementing organisations: MMHI [Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry], MET [Ministry of Environment and Tourism], MRPAM [Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia]
Jointly Implementing organisations: Relevant ministries and organisations, MoJHA [Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs], MoC [Ministry of Culture], AGS [Authority of Government Supervisory], Secretariat of the NCHR [National Committee for Human Rights], Governors of all levels.
Evaluate the performance of laws and regulations governing relations related to land displacement, resettlement and forced eviction, and take measures to protect citizens’ land tenure rights and improve procedures for valuing property and calculating compensation.
Time frame: 2023-2025
Criteria: An assessment will be carried out and conclusions and suggestions will be made. Measures will be taken to improve the relevant procedures.
Implementing organisations: Ministry of City and Urban Development (MCUD), Agency for Land Administration and Geodesy and Cartography (ALAMGC).
Jointly implementing organisations: MET, MMHI [Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry], MRTD [Ministry of Road and Transport Development], MoE [Ministry of Energy].
Assess relevant laws, regulations and standards related to urban planning and public services from the perspective of a human rights-based approach, take action to improve them, enforce implementation and increase accountability in case of violations.
Time frame: 2023-2025
Criteria: An assessment will be made and improvement measures will be carried out. Enforcement activities will be carried out.
Implementing organisations: MCUD, ALAMGC
Jointly implementing organisations: Governors of all levels.
Including ‘business and human rights’ in the Netherlands’ foreign policy
Integrating responsibilities in conflict areas and fragile states into policy
“The Netherlands is committed to collaborating with other donors and organisations in making joint analyses which include a gender dimension. An example here is Dutch investment in the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Conflict Affected States in Africa (CASA) initiative. A conflict-sensitive approach to private sector development was central in the 13 fragile states in which this IFC project was implemented. Furthermore, the European Conflict Minerals Regulation, which came into effect in January 2021, requires all EU businesses importing certain metals and minerals to apply due diligence. All EU member states must appoint a national supervisory authority to monitor businesses’ compliance with this Regulation. In the Netherlands this is the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). Regular meetings between the European Commission and member states aim to ensure uniform implementation of the Regulation.” p. 43.
“The main conflict minerals are tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. These are defined as conflict minerals because they are often extracted in unstable regions and there is a link between extraction activities and abuses such as violence and forced labour. Mining and illegal trade is often in the hands of armed groups which finance their activities from the proceeds. (EU website). The ILT was assigned this task in the Conflict Minerals Regulation Implementation Act.” footnote p. 43.
Pillar II
Due diligence at EU level
“In addition to this legislative proposal on reporting [The proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive], the inclusion of a due diligence process is an approach used in several EU instruments, such as the proposal for an EU Regulation to combat deforestation, the planned Batteries Regulation and the Conflict Minerals Regulation referred to above.” p. 55
Pillar III
Improving the provision of information to businesses
“Internationally the government will participate in the benchmarking efforts of the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) on access to remedy by large enterprises in the agricultural, textile, mineral and ICT producing industries.” p. 65.
The Nigeria NAP provides a list of existing constitutional obligations, domestic legislation, internation obligations, and police and administrative steps. This breakdown only looks at the list of challenges and the implementation of the 3 pillars of the UNGPs.
8.6 CHALLENGES “a. Casualisation of employment, especially in the oil and gas sector as well as the telecommunications, banking and financial services sectors. … e. Ratification of Convention 176(safety and health in mines 1995).” (p.154)
PILLAR 1 – STATE DUTY TO PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIONABLE ITEMS F. ENVIRONMENT “When acquiring land for development or business, government must ensure the conduct of human rights conflict and environmental impact assessment. In respect of environmental hazards and workplace safety, there will be periodic monitoring and inspection of company premises, operations and surroundings of manufacturing, construction, and extractive industries among others to ascertain their compliance with environmental standards.” (p.158) … J. RESETTLEMENT “Efforts will be made to minimize the negative impact of resettlement. Emphasis must be on the livelihood system of affected communities. Under business and human rights, Nigeria’s handling of the resettlement of Bonny and Finima during the construction of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Project has been acknowledged as a best practice case study. Where resettlement for business becomes necessary, government and investors will be guided by best practices such as the Principles of Resettlement enunciated by the African Development Bank and the Asian Development Bank.” (p.159)
2.1 The state as a legislator: The Minerals Acts [page 19]:
In Norway as in other countries, conflicts may arise between commercial activity and indigenous peoples’ rights. Protection of Sami rights is laid down in the Constitution and other legislation, and obligations towards the Sami people follow from international conventions, particularly Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and ILO Convention 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries. In Norway, Sami rights are also enshrined in special legislation and through consultation procedures between the public authorities and Sámediggi (the Sami Parliament). As part of its follow-up of ILO Convention 169, Norway is conducting a dialogue with ILO on how the convention is being implemented in Norwegian law, including in the area of mineral resources. In the Official Norwegian Report 2007:13 on legislation pertaining to the Sami, the Sami Rights Commission reviewed measures relating to mineral resources and in legislation that regulates mineral extraction. Some of the commission’s proposals were evaluated in connection with the preparatory work on the Minerals Act. The Act, which replaced five existing acts, entered into force on 1 January 2010. As part of the Government’s follow-up of the report from the Sami Rights Commission, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries will evaluate proposals for amendments to the Minerals Act.
…
2.1: Regulations on country-by-country reporting:
Under the country-by-country reporting regulations, large enterprises that are required to submit accounts, and issuers of financial instruments listed on the stock exchange, in the extractive industry and/or forestry and logging, are required to prepare and publish an annual report on their activities by country and by project.
CHAPTER 3: National Action Plan Priority Areas and Proposed Actions
3.2 | NAP Priority Areas
3.2.4 | Labour Standards and the Informal Economy
Proposed Actions
Federal and provincial (page 29)
’41. Strengthen labour inspection mechanisms, including by ensuring the sufficient funding and capacity of the mechanisms, and conduct regular inspections of business enterprises, including in the informal economy, to safeguard adherence to minimum wage and other labour rights. Ensure inclusion of women as labour inspectors as well. Proposed Performance indicator(s): (i) Measures taken to strengthen labour inspection mechanisms; (ii) Number of inspections carried out
UN Guiding Principle(s): 1, 2, 3, 4
Relevant SDG(s): Goal 1 – No Poverty; Goal 5 – Gender Quality; Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities; Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’
This information is also covered under Appendix 1: Implementation Plan, Proposed Action 41 designating the Provincial Labour and Human Resources Departments as Leading Entity and the Provincial Industries Departments, the Provincial Commerce Departments, the Provincial Human Rights Departments, the Provincial Mines and Minerals Departments, the Provincial Planning Departments, the Provincial Social Welfare Departments, the Provincial Women Development Departments (page 60).
‘44. Formalise all enterprises, including in the informal economy, and digitise business data. Performance indicator(s): (i) Number of enterprises formalised; (ii) Number of businesses that have adopted digitisation
UN Guiding Principle(s): 1, 3, 8, 11, 15, 21
Relevant SDG(s): Goal 5 – Gender Quality; Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities; Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’
This information is also covered under Appendix 1: Implementation Plan, Proposed Action 44 designating the Provincial Industries, Mines and Minerals, Labour and Commerce Departments and the Provincial Social Welfare and Human Rights Departments as Leading Entities, and designating the Provincial Information Departments, the Provincial Finance Departments, the Business Community, Labour/Trade Unions, CSOs and NGOs as Additional Entities (page 62).
‘45. Formalise and strengthen wage payment mechanisms across all sectors, including the informal economy.
Performance indicator(s): (i) Formalisation of wage payment mechanism; (ii) Number of persons newly covered under formalized wage payment mechanism
Relevant SDG(s): Goal 1 – No Poverty; Goal 5 – Gender Quality; Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities; Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’
This information is also covered under Appendix 1: Implementation Plan, Proposed Action 45 designating the Provincial Governments, the Provincial Finance Departments, the Provincial Labour Departments as Leading Entities, and designating the Provincial Chief Minister’s Inspection Teams, the Provincial Home Departments, the Provincial Information Departments, the Provincial Local Government and Rural Development Departments, the Provincial Mines and Minerals Departments, the Provincial Planning and Development Departments, the Provincial Population Welfare Departments, the Provincial Education Departments, the Provincial Human Rights Departments, the Provincial Women Development Departments, the Provincial Ombudspersons, Labour/Trade Unions and the Business Community as Additional Entities (page 62).
‘46. Provide life insurance and ensure compulsory EOBI Registration.
Performance indicator(s): (i) Number of newly registered establishments/industries; (ii) Number of newly registered insured persons
UN Guiding Principle(s): 1, 2, 3, 8
Relevant SDG(s): Goal 1 – No Poverty; Goal 5 – Gender Quality; Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities; Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’
This information is also covered under Appendix 1: Implementation Plan, Proposed Action 46 designating the EOBI and the Provincial Labour and Manpower Departments as Leading Entities, and designating the Provincial Industries and Commerce Departments, the Provincial Social Welfare Departments, the Provincial Education Departments, the Provincial Human Rights Departments, the Provincial Mines & Minerals Departments, the Provincial Health Departments, the Provincial Law Departments, the Provincial Information Departments, the Business Community, Labour/Trade Unions and the Chief Minister’s Inspection Teams as Additional Entities (page 63).
‘47. Ensure provision of appointment letter or employment contracts as a requirement in the informal economy.
Performance indicator(s): (i) Number of employees issued appointment letters/contracts; (ii) Results of labour inspections/ spot-checks
UN Guiding Principle(s): 1, 2, 3, 11
Relevant SDG(s): Goal 5 – Gender Quality; Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities; Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’
This information is also covered under Appendix 1: Implementation Plan, Proposed Action 47 designating the Provincial Governments, the Provincial Labour Departments and the Provincial Labour Inspectorates as Leading Entities, and designating the Chief Minister’s Inspection Teams, the Provincial Human Rights Departments, the Provincial Labour Departments, the Provincial Law Departments, the Business Community, the Provincial Mines & Minerals Departments, the Provincial Industries, Commerce and Investment Departments, the Provincial Local Government Departments, the Provincial Social Welfare Departments, the Provincial Women Development Departments as Additional Entities (page 63).
3.2.7 | Occupational Health and Safety Proposed Actions
Proposed Actions
Federal and Provincial (pages 35-36)
‘62. Bring up-to-date health and safety legislation, standards, rules and guidelines, and independent enforcement mechanism for all sectors, with immediate priority allotted to the most hazardous sectors based on available data or reported concerns, and account for the differentiated needs of workers, including women, elderly workers, and others.
Performance indicator(s): (i) Number of new or updated laws, standards, rules, guidelines, and independent enforcement mechanisms
UN Guiding Principle(s): 1, 3
Relevant SDG(s): Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being; Goal 5 – Gender Equality; Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities; Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’
This information is also covered under Appendix 1: Implementation Plan, Proposed Action 62 designating the Ministry of Industries and Production and the Provincial Labour and Manpower Departments as Leading Entities, and designating the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the Provincial Health Departments, the Provincial Mines & Minerals Departments, the Chief Minister’s Inspection Teams, the Ministry of Human Rights, the Provincial Human Rights Departments, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform, the Provincial Planning and Development Departments, NGOs, CSOs, Trade/Labour Unions, the Business Community as Additional Entities (page 69).
CHAPTER 4: State Expectations of Business Enterprises (page 40-41)
‘To facilitate and guide business enterprises in ensuring compliance with and supporting the effective implementation of the NAP priority areas and the UNGPs, the State of Pakistan expects business enterprises to: […]
13. In addition to the UNGPs, be cognisant of and guided by international guidelines and principles such as the […] OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Meaningful Stakeholder Engagement in the Extractive Sector, OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, OECD Practical Actions for Companies to Identify and Address the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Mineral Supply Chains […]
14. Businesses are also encouraged to participate in initiatives such as the […] Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and similar networks, which will allow them to better understand and implement international human rights standards within the business context.’
CHAPTER II: THE BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN PERU
Some specific sectors have adopted RBC approaches to a greater extent, such as mining, hydrocarbons, energy, and agriculture. In 2002, the SNMPE (Sociedad Nacional De Mineria Y Petroleo Y Energia) approved a Code of Conduct, which has been developed over the years with the incorporation of new principles in 2016 and 2018.
In 2019 the SNMPE developed a general human rights policy model for its members, which is based, on the OECD Guiding Principles and Guidelines, and integrates a risk-based due diligence approach (OECD, 2020b, p. 23). It has also established a national dialogue platform for mining (Mining for All), which provides guidance on how to receive complaints and respond to community demands, as well as a communication platform, which presents its environmental and social projects and their contribution to the SDGs (COM-Unity). – page 32/33
In the area of mining, the Responsible Mining Founding report (RMF & Centro Vincular-PUCV, 2020) evaluates mining companies based on their policies and practices concerning economic, environ- mental, social, and governance issues, scoring each category from 0 to 6. In the 2020 edition, the RMF evaluated 38 mining companies. Of this group, 12 companies have mining units in the country, of which Anglo American, Rio Tinto, and BHP Group stand out as having achieved a score of 3 or more in at least one category. – page 34
On the other hand, some cases have been identified in business sectors such as mining, hydrocarbons, and large-scale agriculture, where gaps persist that reflect a situation where very opposing positions and demands -mainly between companies and civil society- converge. Along these lines, the impacts on human rights that these activities have produced have given rise to serious concern about the possible risks that they may currently generate, to which must be added the scant information available to indicate that the companies in these sectors have adopted adequate measures to avoid these impacts. – page 35
CHAPTER III DIAGNOSIS AND BASELINE: ACTION AREAS
3.2. General Conclusions of the Diagnosis and Baseline
A series of commitments have been made by companies to respect human rights, commitments that have been translated into documents such as the “Guide for the Peruvian business sector on business and human rights”, prepared by Confiep and the Global Compact of Peru (2019), as well as codes of conduct, corporate policies, and even management protocols, mainly in the mining, hydrocarbons, energy and agriculture sectors. – page 40
3.2. Conclusions of the specific issues
Human rights defenders
(…) According to the MINJUSDH registry, situations of violation of the rights of human rights defenders are due to economic informality, the lack of legal security in the titling of communal lands, the resulting land trafficking, and criminality associated with illegal mining and illegal logging, and drug trafficking. – page 47
Mining
Mining is one of the most important economic activities in the country and, in recent years, due diligence mechanisms have been widely adopted for the formal mining sector. Progress has been made in the negotiation of land transactions due to the dialogue mechanisms and, therefore, it is essential to strengthening them considering the land-use planning policy. In addition, the prevention and management of the environmental impacts of mining activity require improvements, such as better quality information on socio-environmental baselines and strengthening the administrative and legal capacity of the competent environmental oversight entities. Progress has also been made in social conflict prevention mechanisms, although the creation and implementation of a national prevention system is still pending.
The distrust of certain sectors towards mining activity merits a public policy that considers actions to monitor the progress of the business sector in the implementation of due diligence mechanisms, as well as transparency, training and multi-stakeholder dialogue, and greater dissemination of progress. On the other hand, Peruvian legislation has made progress in dealing with environmental mining liabilities; however, problems persist in rehabilitating environmental liabilities generated by informal and illegal activity. Complaints of heavy metal contamination deserve timely attention, a good example being the work of the Temporary Multisectoral Commission on the matter. – page 50
Table 8: NAP strategic guidelines and objectives, and alignment with the axes of the Peru Vision 2050
Strategic guideline No. 3: Design of public policies that promote respect for human rights by companies through accountability, investigation, and sanction for the impacts of their activities.
Objective No. 2: Technical assistance to companies for the observance of human rights in their business activities
70.
Action: Produce, in coordination with the business sector, organized civil society and the competent state sector, a guide aimed at small-scale mining units to promote their formalization and, progressively, a culture of due diligence.
Background: The guide will specifically address the GP-RBC postulates in order to promote the formalization of small-scale mining units that are in this process and progressively implement a due diligence culture, taking into account their peculiarities. The guide will be developed with the business sector and civil society, and its implementation and follow-up will be promoted.
Indicator: Due diligence guidelines for small-scale mining units developed, submitted, and implemented. Follow-up reports on the implementation of the guide (Action Indicator). – page 108
Implementation of the Good Practice Catalogue on due diligence for European Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas
[page 23-24]
“On 1 January 2021, new obligations took effect as regards supply chain due diligence for EU importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. These obligations were established by Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017. In Poland, the function of the authority responsible for ensuring effective and uniform implementation of the Regulation in question and for conducting ex-post controls of importers in the territory of the Republic of Poland has been assigned to the Head of the National Revenue Administration. The provisions of the above-mentioned Regulation are aimed at ensuring that minerals and metals from the so-called ‘3TG’ group (Tin, Tantalum, Tungsten, Gold) introduced into the EU will not finance conflicts or result in human rights violations. These minerals are among the most valuable and their mining industry makes a significant contribution to global economic development (industries such as electronics, aerospace, automotive, and jewellery). Therefore, efforts have been taken to encourage responsible sourcing of minerals, which should in principle help prevent criminal groups from gaining income relating to said minerals and hinder the pursuit of their activities, as well as help to secure world peace. EU ‘3TG’ importers will be required to ensure that all the minerals and metals they import (as defined in Annex I to the above-mentioned Regulation) are sourced responsibly and from non-conflict areas.
To this end, good practices are being introduced. They comprise in particular:
• Various forms of meetings with selected importers and national industry organisations on ‘3TG’ minerals to build awareness related to the implementation of the provisions of the aforesaid Regulation, as well as OECD and UN guidelines
• Undertaking cooperation with the Entrepreneurship Support Department of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development as well as the CSR and Cooperation with NGOs Unit in the Minister’s Office in the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy in order to reach a wide range of entrepreneurs who are subject to the obligations under aforesaid Regulation. Due to this cooperation, an even greater number of entrepreneurs receive information/training materials (e-learning), in the area of ‘conflict’ minerals.
• A newsletter sent to importers of ‘3TG’ minerals in Poland and sending important information to importers’ e-mail addresses, e.g. information on changes in regulations, instructions, explanations.
• Operating a contact line for importers of ‘3TG’ minerals. Contact details are available on the dedicated website of the Ministry of Finance (link above).
The practices identified above allow businesses to learn what benefits they gain by introducing due diligence into their supply chains, help companies introduce due diligence into their metals and minerals supply chains, as well as understand, assess and mitigate risks pertaining to responsible sourcing.”
“The implementation will be promoted by business and trade unions, general or sectorial, including representative organizations of social economy entities; as well as other institutions such as chambers of commerce, chambers abroad, universities, business schools, etc. of actions that should promote online training and advice and Resolution of queries, coordinated with those carried out in the application of the Spanish Strategy of Corporate Social Responsibility.”
Guiding Principle 7
Measure 4
“The Government will promote the application of the OECD Due Diligence Guide for Supply Chains Responsible for Minerals in Conflict or High Risk Areas.”
“The conduct of companies in relation to armed conflicts is highly relevant to respect for human rights. Sweden has proposed sharper formulations in the draft regulation on responsible trade in minerals from conflict areas that is currently being discussed in the EU. In other words, we consider it should be mandatory for importers from particularly problematic countries to obtain certification. Sweden is carrying out awareness-raising activities on this issue and supports the OECD’s work on how companies are to identify risks in the supply chain and avoid trade in conflict minerals (OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas).
… Sweden provides support to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which works to combat corruption in the mining industry.”
Annex: Measures planned [page 27]
“The interim report Implementation of the EU’s new accounting directive (Swedish Government Official Reports 2014:22) proposes enhanced transparency regarding payments made by some companies active in the extractive industry and in the logging of natural forests. The provisions will require companies to publish annual reports on payments made to authorities in the countries in which they operate. The aim is to combat corruption.”
Annex: Links [page 30]
“The European Commission has produced a guide to human rights for small and mediumsized enterprises in Swedish, based on the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. The Commission has also developed industry-specific guides for extractive industries (oil and gas), temporary-work agencies and the ICT sector. These are available on the Commission website: www.ec.europa.eu”
2 National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights 2020-23
2.1 Pillar 1: state duty to protect
2.1.2 Operational principles: legislative and information policy measures
Guiding Principles 1 to 3
Measure 2: Security and human rights
Switzerland is a member of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights initiative and contributes to its development. This initiative is targeted at companies in the extractive sector and offers them guidance on maintaining the safety and security of their operations within a framework that ensures respect for human rights, especially when private and/or public security providers are also involved. It is also committed to the application of the Voluntary Principles in the field and works to expand membership of the initiative.
Measure 7: Reduction in human rights risks associated with gold extraction and trading
At the end of 2018, the Federal Council adopted a report setting out a range of measures designed to improve the traceability of gold imported to Switzerland, strengthen multi-stakeholder dialogue and expand development cooperation on responsible gold production.
The measures aim to improve the collection and publication of information on the sources of gold imported in Switzerland, and increase transparency not only regarding the risk assessments conducted by the industry but also regarding its human rights due diligence. The federal government will take steps to promote best practices and examine the possible use of blockchain technologies to improve traceability in the gold industry.
Switzerland will continue to support the implementation of OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and other relevant guidelines. As recommended in the above report, it will explore the possibility of granting the Central Office for Precious Metals Control wider responsibilities, including with respect to transparency on the provenance of gold imported to Switzerland.
Objective
Indicator
Responsibility
Prevent human rights risks associated with gold extraction and trading.
A number of recommendations in the Federal Council Report on gold trading and human rights have been implemented.
FDFA [Federal Department of Foreign Affairs],
FDF [Federal Department of Finance],
EAER [Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research],
FDHA [Federal Department of Home Affairs].
Measure 13: Guidelines on human rights due diligence in conflict-affected and high-risk areas
…. Switzerland also supports the implementation of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. It is also a member of the multi-stakeholder group that manages the implementation, dissemination and continued development of these guidelines. The OECD Due Diligence Guidance is aimed primarily at companies involved in the extraction and trading of commodities in conflict-affected and high-risk areas, but it also applies to manufacturers of products containing minerals which operate in the downstream value chain and are required to exercise due diligence.
In addition, the federal government supports a project led by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights that aims to clarify the practical steps that companies, investors and States should take to prevent and combat business-related human rights abuses in conflict, post-conflict and fragile contexts The EU adopted Regulation 2017/821 of 17 May 2017 laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The relevant provisions will take effect on 1 January 2021. In accordance with the Federal Council decision of 14 August 2019, the FDJP is mandated to examine the introduction of a mandatory due diligence in the area of “minerals from conflict areas”. In the meantime, on 18 December 2019, the Council of States adopted a regulation on this issue as part of the preparation of an indirect counter-proposal to the popular initiative for responsible businesses. The National Council has not yet commented on this. The Federal Council is of the opinion that it should await the end of the parliamentary debates.
Objective
Indicator
Responsibility
Develop, promote and implement specific guidelines in respect of high-risk, conflict-affected areas.
Explore possible measures that are consistent with international rules, including a bill to be submitted for consultation.
Example of the federal government’s contribution to organisations developing these guidelines.
Explore possible measures that are consistent with international rules, including a bill to be submitted for consultation.
FDFA [Federal Department of Foreign Affairs],
EAER [Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research],
3. The core content of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights
3.2 Action plan for community, land, natural resources and the environment
3.2.1 Overview of the situation
For the mining project, details of improvement of the environmental and social impact assessment system are as follows:
(1) Minerals Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and related subordinate legislation divided mining into three types according to the size of the area, types of minerals, geological characteristics of the mineral resources, mining methods and impacts on the quality of environment and public health that may arise from mining. The scope of the mining project (in accordance with the promotion and conservation of national environmental quality law defined as type 2 or type 3 mines) must include preparing the environmental impact assessment report (EIA or EHIA), dependent upon the context of each case.
(2) Improvements in the environmental and social impact assessment system for mining projects in order to be prudent and concise by requiring public hearings with affected communities, both according to the mineral law and in accordance with the law on promotion and conservation of national environmental quality are as follows:
(2.1) Minerals Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and subordinate legislation stipulates that a public hearing of the community is required and, in the event, that the community does not agree, a public referendum, in the area requesting a concession certificate, shall be conducted according to the characteristics and methods announced by the Minister.
(2.2) The National Environmental Quality Promotion and Conservation Act B.E. 2535 (1992). The project must conduct the EIA report with two times a participatory process, namely, the first time at the initial stage of the project to hear opinions on the draft proposal of the project and the scope of the study and, the second time, during the preparation of the draft report, measures to prevent and correct the environmental impact, as well as the area rehabilitation plan after the expiration of the concession. For the project that requires the EHIA report, four times participation is required: (1) To listen to opinions on the scope of the study; (2) For participation in the impact assessment; (3) For hearing opinions on the draft report; and (4) For the authorized approval agencies to organize the process for hearing opinions and to clarify in detail.
(3) In addition, the Mineral Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and the relevant subordinate legislation require the preparation of basic information on the environment and public health and creating a barrier area in the case that the mine may result in causing highly adverse impacts to the quality of environment and public health.
(4) At present, every step of the environmental and social impact assessment of the mining project considers the importance of three types of impacts from large-scale projects: (1) The impact of environmental pollution on health; (2) Forcing communities to relocate without compensation or insufficient plans; and (3) Lack of public consultation or inadequate studies with communities that are affected by the development of large-scale projects. Therefore, the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM) has emphasized the accuracy and transparency of information in every step from preparation of the area for the request for permissions, details of areas and communities, geological report, mining project plans and area rehabilitation, the EIA report, details and the opinions of the community, both according to the requirements of the mineral law and the law on the promotion and conservation of national environmental quality. As well as these issues, details of the consideration of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report from the Specialist Committee are to be stipulated as additional conditions for approval.
The government has encouraged people around the project area to participate in public consultations in several steps as follows:
The procedure for requesting a mining concession certificate: Section 56, paragraph 2 of the Mineral Act B.E. 2560 (2017), which stipulates that after the request for a concession certificate is announced for a period of not less than 30 days, the local mineral industry official would arrange for public hearings in accordance with the criteria set by the Minister. At present, the said regulations have been established, according to the notification of the Ministry of Industry, subject: Regulations and method to listen to community comments in the area requested for a concession certificate B.E. 2561 (2018), which was announced in the Royal Gazette on 15 May 2018. The principle of the said announcement stipulates that the local mineral industry official with the village headman should prepare to hear the opinions of the villagers within a radius rim of the concession certificate requested as stipulated in each category (categories 1, 2 and 3), subject to public debate before making a report to the local government administration for an opinion and presenting to the authorized official for further consideration on the issuance of a concession certificate. In this process, relevant citizens can discuss and express opinions, concerns and suggestions.
The process of developing the environmental impact assessment report: In the preparation for the analysis report on environmental impact, the Office of the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning stipulated that a public hearing of community during the beginning of the project must be arranged by informing the relevant agencies, notifying the public, organizing the first opinion survey and summarizing opinions. After that, they should arrange another public hearing during the preparation for a draft report and measures for prevention and correction of environmental impact by informing the relevant agencies, notifying the public, organizing the second public hearing and summarizing opinions. The results of the hearing will be put in the EIA report for further consideration by the Specialist Committee.
During the mining process: The Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM) would establish a civilian network to monitor the mining environment quality. Their responsibility is to report the environmental impact of dust, loud noise, vibration, etc. to the DPIM. If the network reports that it was affected from the mining operation, an investigation team will be sent to investigate. Should the examination results show that the mine causes real impacts, the mine operator will be ordered to improve and address the problems. The results of the problem solving will be sent to the network for information. Currently, there are 490 civilian networks covering most areas of mining and the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM) continues to strengthen the network by providing training to educate the network on environmental quality surveillance as well as constantly organizing activities to stimulate network performance.
3.2.3 Action Plan (2019–2022)
Pillar 1: State duties in protecting (Protect)
No.
Issues
Activities
Responsible agencies
Time-frame (2019–2022)
Indicators (wide frame)
Compliance with National Strategy/ SDGs/UNGPs
1.
Developing and improving laws, regulations, policies and related measures
Review mining laws, including issuing permits and defining mining areas
– Ministry of Industry
2019–2022
– Reviewed the mining law, licensing and mining areas
– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth
– SDG 13, 14 and 15
– UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 5 and 7
2.
Public participation
Organize discussions and public hearing to receive people’s opinions, including from related ethnic groups in the area. The public and communities should get access to complete information and participate in decision- making processes easily, as well as giving comments on the evaluation of the effect on the environment, land expropriation considerations, land management and forest conservation of the government, etc. before undertaking any project, including large-scale projects relating to energy management, power plants, petroleum, and drilling for the exploration of natural resources, in order to encourage people and communities to have a role in determining project operation areas, considering the way of life and culture.
– Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council
– Ministry of Agriculture
– Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
– Ministry of Energy
– Ministry of Interior
– Ministry of Industry
2019–2022
– Number of activities and projects organized to listen to the opinions of the people relating to operations that affect the public
– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth
– SDG 7, 11, 13, 14 and 15
– UNGPs Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
3.
Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EIA/ EHIA)
Strengthen the current impact assessment process to be stronger, especially in large-scale development projects such as infrastructure and mining and energy projects
– Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
– Ministry of Energy
– Ministry of Industry
– Ministry of Transport
2019–2022
– Strictly implementing the EIA/EHIA process especially on large projects
– National Strategy for Eco-Friendly Development and Growth
– National Strategy for Public Sector Rebalancing and Development
The country has registered a flourishing number of projects in the recent past and NEMA highlights five leading categories of projects as follows: Fuel Stations (22.8%), Information Communication Technology (22.0%), Infrastructure (21.1%), Industry (14.7%), and Mining (6.2%). Thus, these five categories of projects constitute 86.8% of the total projects approved by NEMA in the FY 2018/2019 (NEMA, Annual Report 2019). The report further states that the increasing trend of developments in the sectors highlighted creates demand for construction materials as well as fuel, which are associated with high negative impact on environment and communities.
Some of the notable negative environmental impacts associated with the said categories of projects include: increase in atmospheric pollution caused by emission of different kinds of noxious (harmful) gases, fumes, and particulate matter into the atmosphere; while mining projects create residual impacts which include; scarred landscape, degradation of the affected landscape including soil erosion and in some cases disruption of the local hydrology (which may affect the water catchment system), and un-restored mines and murram/gravel borrow-pits among others.
Over the years, Uganda’s tree cover has immensely declined i.e. from 24% in 1990 to 12.4% in 2015 (NFA, Feb 2018). Communities reported high cases of forests degradation to pave way for businesses especially large scale undertakings. For instance, Ugandan government entered into an agreement with BIDCO, the largest manufacturer of vegetable oil in Uganda, and Malaysian palm oil giants Wilmar to set up a planta on and refinery in the Kalangala islands in Lake Victoria. However, business enterprises rarely meaningfully respond to these negative impacts.
During the field stakeholder consultations for the development of the NAPBHR, the communities raised concerns that certain businesses, particularly those in extractives (mining, quarrying), transportation, manufacturing sectors are contributing to such social and negative environmental impacts including destruction of cultural and historical sites. Gender issues manifest in such businesses, such as; men continue to receive the most benefits of the mining industry, women often bear the disproportionate share of social, economic, and environmental risks that sometimes arise from this sector. Women employed in mines work under unsafe conditions often characterized by meager pay, sexual harassment, poor sanitation, domestic violence and exposure to hazardous substances such as mercury among others. It has also been argued that health impacts are felt disproportionately by women as they tend to be primarily responsible for caring for the health of family members.
Revenue transparency particularly revenue in the extractives sector has become an increasing concern to the public. There has been a wider call for resources justice through arrangements such as Publish What You Pay (PWYP), the Natural Resources Charter, Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative among others. The NAP consultations enlisted several challenges that affect revenue transparency. There is an inflow of investors operating in the districts but without licenses from the district authorities. This was typically raised in Karamoja region where many business owners in the mining sector emerge with mining licenses purportedly from Kampala and do not contribute any taxes to the local government authorities. This has led to reduction in local revenue collection as well as affected social service delivery to the communities.
The UK 2016 Updated NAP in the Government Commitment section states that [page 10]:
“The Government will do the following to reinforce its implementation of its commitments under Pillar1 of the UNGPs: (…) Continue to work closely with Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Initiative (VPI) member governments, extractive companies and civil society organisations, to promote greater understanding of the Voluntary Principles and strengthen the implementation, effectiveness and membership.”
The UK 2016 Updated NAP, in the section on Case studies, includes an example from Kenya regarding responsible business conduct and extractives [page 12].
UK 2016 Updated NAP includes a section devoted to Actions Taken [page 8]:
“To give effect to the UN Guiding Principles, the Government has: (…)
Taken account of business activity in conflict and fragile states, or countries with high levels of criminal violence, within the Building Stability Overseas Strategy. … We will continue to promote implementation of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas;
In March 2015 the Government concluded its chairmanship of the Voluntary Principles Initiative. During our chairmanship we worked to raise awareness of the VPI in priority countries for membership, to support UK oil, gas and mining companies to use the VPs to manage security and human rights risks more effectively, and encouraged greater openness by companies in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”
Section III: Additional National Action Plan Commitments
…
Table 1: Expanding Engagement and Coordination on Responsible Business Conduct Commitments
“Through the Public-Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade (PPA), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will promote increased alignment of industry operations and governance mechanisms to the OECD Guidance and local governance expectations; amplify insights from high-quality independent data that identify key barriers to impactful due diligence; and test and analyze solutions to these challenges. The PPA is a global partnership between civil society, the USG, and the private sector to leverage members’ knowledge, networks, and experience to inform global responsible minerals sourcing.” (p.17)
