The report on the impact of Canadian mining in Latin America and Canada\u2019s responsibility is the results of three years of research carried out by six civil society organizations based in Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Peru and the United States. The report\u2019s conclusions were derived from information supplied by organizations that work directly with communities and persons affected by large scale mining in Latin America and experts from Canadian and USA law schools. Through the study of 22 mining projects carried out by Canadian companies in nine countries in the region, a behavior pattern related to human rights and large scale extractive activities was identified.<\/p>\n
On April 3, 2014 the report was officially presented to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Since then, various meetings with Canadian Embassy representatives in the region have been held.<\/p>\n
The report comes at a time of high social conflict related to the extraction of natural resources in the region, in which affected communities continue without adequate responses from their own States. Insufficient \u2013and often time contradictory\u2013 regulatory frameworks, States not complying with international obligations and the lack of effective access to justice in the countries where the mining projects take place should be met in Canada (where over 50% of Latin America\u2019s mining investments come from) with appropriate counter balances.<\/p>\n
The report identifies Canadian State policies and practices directed at expanding their mining industry without the necessary accompanying measures to effectively prevent and mitigate any negative impact on human rights that might be brought on by these activities. In spite of the magnitude of Canadian international mining investment, there are no adequate mechanisms in place through which victims can access justice in Canada when these kinds of violations take place. It is essential that the important political, economic and diplomatic support extended internationally by the Canadian government to their mining companies be accompanied by certain conditions, such as those promoted by Canadian civil society groups and academics for some years now.<\/p>\n
Among the recommendations made by the organizations that participated in the elaboration of this report is one that suggests a redesign of the national and international responsibility mechanisms for corporations. It is crucial that the IACHR incorporate into its analysis of human rights violations the extraterritorial responsibilities of extractive companies\u2019 States of origin.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hearings before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights<\/strong><\/p>\n 149 Period of Sessions – Nov 2013 153 Period of Sessions – Nov 2014 \n Media Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n –\u00a0Canadian mining doing serious environmental harm, the IACHR is told<\/a> –\u00a0Canad\u00e1: Una pol\u00edtica externa muy tolerante con empresas mineras y poco sensible a los DD.HH.<\/a> –\u00a0Miner Opposition: Why Canada\u2019s politics matter in Guatemala\u2019s hills<\/a>
\nHearing: “Human Rights Situation of People Affected by Mining in the Americas and Responsibilities of the Host and Home States of the Mining Companies”
\n–\u00a0Press release<\/a>
\n–\u00a0Video<\/a>
\n–\u00a0Pictures<\/a><\/p>\n
\nHearing “Impact of Canadian Mining Activities on Human Rights In Latin America”
\n–\u00a0Video<\/a>
\n–\u00a0Pictures<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe Guardian (May 14, 2014)<\/p>\n
\nServindi \/ La Mula (April, 21, 2014)<\/p>\n
\niPolitics (October 2014)<\/p>\n