Op-Ed: The rush for critical minerals in Karamoja – A human rights imperative

By Boniface Ojas

The discovery of critical minerals in Karamoja, Uganda, has sparked a rush for extraction and exploitation. While this presents economic opportunities, it also poses significant human rights risks. As the region embarks on this new era of mineral extraction, it is crucial to prioritize human rights and ensure that the rights of local communities are respected and protected.

The Human Rights Risks

The extraction of critical minerals in Karamoja poses several human rights risks, including:

1. Displacement and land grabbing: The acquisition of land for mining activities has led to displacement and land grabbing, potentially violating the rights of local communities to their ancestral lands.
2. Environmental degradation: Mining activities have resulted in environmental degradation, including water pollution and soil contamination, which have had severe impacts on the health and livelihoods of local communities.
3. Labor rights abuses: Mining activities have also led to labor rights abuses, including exploitation of workers, poor working conditions, and lack of access to social protections.
4. Community engagement: The lack of meaningful community engagement and participation in decision-making processes has led to mistrust, conflict, and human rights abuses.

The Importance of Human Rights Due Diligence

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to conduct human rights due diligence throughout the mineral value chain. This includes:

1. Conducting thorough impact assessments: Identifying potential human rights risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.
2. Engaging with local communities: Ensuring that their rights and interests are respected and protected through inclusive dialogue.
3. Implementing robust safeguards: Establishing safeguards to prevent human rights abuses, including labor rights violations and environmental harm.
4. Providing remedy and accountability: Setting up mechanisms for remedy and accountability for any human rights abuses that may occur.

Best Practices for Responsible Mineral Extraction

To ensure that the extraction of critical minerals in Karamoja is done responsibly and in a human rights-friendly manner, the following best practices should be adopted:

1. Free, prior, and informed consent: Obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from local communities before commencing mining activities.
2. Transparent and accountable governance: Establishing transparent governance structures to prevent corruption and ensure equitable benefit sharing.
3. Environmental and social impact assessments: Conducting comprehensive assessments to identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
4. Community development: Investing in programs that directly benefit local communities and promote sustainable development.

Conclusion

The rush for critical minerals in Karamoja presents both opportunities and challenges. While the extraction of these minerals can generate economic benefits, it is crucial to prioritize human rights and ensure that the rights of local communities are respected and protected.

By adopting best practices for responsible mineral extraction and conducting human rights due diligence, we can ensure that the extraction of critical minerals in Karamoja promotes sustainable development and respects human dignity.

Boniface Ojas is a sustainable development analyst, human rights defender, and the Executive Director of the Karamoja Humanitarian Organization for Rural Development, an organization dedicated to building resilient communities in Karamoja.