The “Forum-Asia” Recommends to Establish More Detailed and Well-Rounded Criteria for Licenses on Mining www.montsame.mn
The “Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development” (FORUM-ASIA) conducted fact-finding research in October 2022 and held its report launch on “From Dreams to Dust: Examining the Impact of Mining on Herder Communities in Mongolia” on April 10, 2023.
The research team collected testimonies and data from a wide range of stakeholders in Dalanjargalan, Ulaanbadrakh, and Khatanbulag soums of Dornogobi aimag. They shed light on the harmful and sometimes fatal impact of mining operations on the communities’ rights, including their health, livelihoods, and environment.
Based on the findings of the research, the “Forum-Asia” has developed recommendations for each stakeholder at the local, national, and international levels, including government, mining companies, human rights defenders, media, etc. At a national level, one of the recommendations was to establish more detailed and well-rounded criteria for granting and renewing licenses on exploration and extraction, with clear guidelines for respecting and protecting the community’s right to a healthy, safe, and clean environment.
Head of the Centre for Human Rights and Development, which participated in this research as a partner, G. Urantsooj encouraged the mining companies to fully comply with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and all relevant national laws and regulations on mining, human rights, and environmental protection at the report launch. Moreover, she said that the companies must rehabilitate and restore the land once operations are completed, ensuring minimal long-term impact on the environment and surrounding communities.
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is a network of 85 member organizations across 23 countries, mainly in Asia. Founded in 1991, FORUM-ASIA works to strengthen movements for human rights and sustainable development through research, advocacy, capacity development, and solidarity actions in Asia and beyond. It has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and a consultative relationship with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.
Published Date:2023-04-11