FIAN Zambia Urges Government To Put Human Rights At The Center of Mining Activities

By Caroline Hachambwa 

 

FIAN International Zambia Country Coordinator Vladimir Chilinya has noted with concerns over the generations of mining in Zambia that have not resulted in significant benefits for the people, households, and communities living in mineral-rich areas.

Mr. Chilinya has highlighted the human rights violations committed by mining companies which include land grabbing, forced evictions, displacement, grabbing of water resources, pollution of water resources, environmental pollution, and destruction of livelihoods.

 

He further stated that these mining activities have created a new kind of poverty in Zambia.

Mr. Chilinya also urged the government to shift its focus from attracting investments to ensuring that mining activities benefit the people, households, and communities, and contribute to improving their living standards.

 

Meanwhile, the Country Coordinator stressed the importance of putting human rights at the center of mining activities.