CHR: Gov’t, businesses must protect human rights in mining deals

The Philippine government and businesses must uphold human rights in the use of natural resources, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Monday following the lifting of a nine-year ban on mining agreements.

CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia called on the government to ensure the “absolute participation” of the public in “making decisions on the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources, such as minerals.”

“It is then equally important that relevant laws and regulations are observed and are faithfully implemented based on their spirit and letters… to adequately protect and promote the standard of living, and all human rights, of communities affected by mining operations,” she said in a statement.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte lifted a nearly decade-old ban on mining deals in a bid to spur economic growth.

The CHR said revenue generated from mining through taxation and other means must be used to fund programs developed and implemented with the participation of affected communities.

The independent body also called on government agencies to operationalize standards in monitoring the mining industry’s compliance with human rights.

Meanwhile, the CHR urged businesses to “respect, protect, and remedy violations arising from their operations.”

“Part of such obligation is studying how, where, and which parts of their operations affect human rights and committing to provide remedy when things go wrong. We must stress that, in all contexts, human rights must be upheld,” it said.

Earlier on Monday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it was not keen on heeding calls for a review of the lifting of the mining ban.  — DVM, GMA News