ICMM Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Workshop

From 29 to 30 January 2014, Stephanie Booker of Natural Justice participated in a multi-stakeholder workshop hosted by the International Council on Mining and Metals in Johannesburg. Participants included Indigenous representatives, representatives from local and regional non-government and civil society organisations, academia and representatives from ICMM member companies throughout the continent. The event was co-facilitated by the Institute of Business and Human Rights.

The two-day workshop included:

• An overview and introduction to the international policy landscape and ICMM's guidance policies on human rights and indigenous peoples;
• A discussion of the challenges around human rights and indigenous peoples in the African context;
• An examination of case studies from the region;
• Prioritisation of challenges that were to be addressed.

Some of the central themes discussed included inclusive and representative engagement; grievance mechanisms; compensation; free prior and informed consent; corporate transparency; and benefit sharing.

The workshop was a unique opportunity to share ideas and experiences with a range of different stakeholders.

Natural Justice Participates in Workshop hosted by International Council on Mining and Metals

Sankar Pani of Natural Justice has participated in a workshop organized by International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) on human rights issues on 27 May 2013 and on indigenous peoples issues on 29 May 2013, held at the University of Western Australia, Perth. 

The multi-stakeholder workshop was attended by industry practitioners from ICMM member companies, civil society organizations, academia and experts from international organizations and research institutions from the entire Asia-Pacific region. The event was co-facilitated by the Institute of Business and Human Rights. 

The multi-stakeholder day on Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples has discussed the following aspects: 

• ICMM’s guidance in the area of Human Rights and Indigenous people
• Sharing of perspectives and to explore challenges and opportunities around implementing the UN Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework and Guiding Principles (including the due diligence and grievance mechanisms elements) 
• Sharing of perspectives and to explore challenges and opportunities around implementing effective engagement and decision-making processes with Indigenous Peoples (including Free, Prior and Informed Consent) 
• Facilitate peer-learning and exchange which contributes to the creation of regional networks around the key issues discussed 

The following points emerged from the discussion: