MALAWI: CCJP Launches Report to Tackle Issues in Mining Sector in the Country
The Catholic Commission for
Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) recently
launched a report on Land displacement, involuntary resettlement and compensation
practices in the Mining Sector in Malawi.
Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) recently
launched a report on Land displacement, involuntary resettlement and compensation
practices in the Mining Sector in Malawi.
|
| Mr. Chris Chisoni CCJP National Secretary |
Opening the workshop at
Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, CCJP’s Nation Secretary, Chris Chisoni said the
launch of the report is aimed at ensuring that all people of Malawi
benefit from the commercialisation of natural resources.
Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, CCJP’s Nation Secretary, Chris Chisoni said the
launch of the report is aimed at ensuring that all people of Malawi
benefit from the commercialisation of natural resources.
Chisoni
said that under the report, the project seeks to ensure that people who are
affected by mining activities are adequately compensated and resettled through
enactment and establishment of effective and responsive legal and policy
framework.
said that under the report, the project seeks to ensure that people who are
affected by mining activities are adequately compensated and resettled through
enactment and establishment of effective and responsive legal and policy
framework.
Presenting
his paper during the launch, CCJP’s Project Officer, Success Sikwese said the
report is there to address key issues related to inadequate legal guarantees for participation, benefit sharing and
dispute resolution.
his paper during the launch, CCJP’s Project Officer, Success Sikwese said the
report is there to address key issues related to inadequate legal guarantees for participation, benefit sharing and
dispute resolution.
 |
| Mr. Success Sikwese, CCJP Project Officer |
“It is high time Malawi adapted best practices from our
neighbouring countries by ensuring that there is a granting of mineral rights, expropriation of property, compulsory acquisition
and public participation, consultation and information,” Sikwese said.
neighbouring countries by ensuring that there is a granting of mineral rights, expropriation of property, compulsory acquisition
and public participation, consultation and information,” Sikwese said.
Giving
an example, he mentioned the Mozambican land
law which clearly states procedures for investors when applying for right to
use land which is occupied by customary right holders. The law provides
guidelines which takes into consideration the livelihoods of the customary land
owners.
an example, he mentioned the Mozambican land
law which clearly states procedures for investors when applying for right to
use land which is occupied by customary right holders. The law provides
guidelines which takes into consideration the livelihoods of the customary land
owners.
Meanwhile, CCJP through the report has challenged
government to ensure that in all cases of displacement and resettlement, the
livelihoods of affected people are taken care of.
government to ensure that in all cases of displacement and resettlement, the
livelihoods of affected people are taken care of.
The report also recommended that government should
constitutionally guarantee the preservation of socio-cultural rights through
security of tenure and recognition of customary rights.
constitutionally guarantee the preservation of socio-cultural rights through
security of tenure and recognition of customary rights.
Source: By
Prince Henderson, ECM Communication Office.
Prince Henderson, ECM Communication Office.
