Politics & General News

NGOs Condemn Forced Mining-Induced Displacements

Civil society organisations have called for the protection of mining communities from abusive practices by mining companies.This came out in the latest report from the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) consortium published by Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), Wednesday, entitled ‘No to Forced Mining Induced Displacements.’A number of communities have fallen victim to ‘forced’ displacements paving way for mining companies and economic development projects deemed necessary by the government. About 300 Hwange villagers in Change and Nekabandama wards face eviction to make way for Mutagech Investments, a Chinese company, that wants to set up a coal mining project.The report noted that lack of law enforcement, lack of secure tenure or strong communal land rights, poor implementation and compliance monitoring encourages the private sector to carry out unjust practices with impunity. “Displaced people usually receive inadequately low compensation for their lost properties and sources of livelihoods. Companies do not implement the promised programs and provision of services,” the report read.“Administrative control or supervision of mining companies must not be just for formality, but put in practice. Compliance with the Constitutional provision on the prohibition of arbitrary evictions of people from their homes without a court order must always be upheld by the courts and implemented by Government officials.”The consortium reiterated that community consultations and approvals should be done prior to displacement so that affected communities can give informed consent. *CITE*Craft Laws To Protect Girl Child, EU Urges Parly*The European Union (EU) has urged Parliament to expedite the crafting of laws that penalise child marriages to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in communities. The call was made as government, the EU and the United Nations in partnership with the Epworth Local Board launched a safe market and one-stop centre to end violence against women and girls.

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