(This article first appeared in Relations no 786 (septembre-octobre 2016, p. 36-38)) By Gerardo Ducos The revival of the mining sector has been put forward as a way to boost the development of the country. Confronted to a failing State who offloads its responsibilities, when it comes to major stakes for the environment and for …
Fight Not Over for the Standing Rock Sioux
(by Boshra Yazahmeidi) It was a major victory for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe of Dakota when on December 4 last year, the Army Corps of Engineers made the decision to prevent drilling under the Missouri River, which is close to Sioux lands. This victory was hard-won with months of protests that touched tens of …
The Impact of Mining on Cultural Heritage
(by Kimberly Fraser) Australia has some of the oldest and most substantial rock art in the world. This rock art provides valuable insight into the rich history of the land before European arrival. The rock art found around the country is also extremely meaningful for Indigenous Australians and its preservation is vitally important for Australian …
Mining Firm’s $250m Claim against El Salvador Dismissed
(by Boshra Yazahmeidi) A multinational mining company that sued the tiny Central American country of El Salvador $250m for refusing to let it mine for gold has had its claim dismissed by the World Bank tribunal. In addition, the mining company has been ordered to pay $8m towards the $12m legal costs incurred by the …
Mining Firm’s $250m Claim against El Salvador DismissedRead More
International Criminal Court Expands Priority to Include Cases of Environmental Destruction
(by Boshra Yazahmeidi) The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a United Nations-backed court that has historically ruled on cases of genocide and war crimes since it was set up in 2002. However, in what is a positive outcome for environmental defenders, the ICC declared its decision in September to expand its priority cases to include those crimes …
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Canadian Jesuits Join Six Other Catholic Institutions in Announcing Commitment to Fossil Fuel Divestment
(by Boshra Yazahmeidi) Seven Catholic institutions from across the globe announced their decision to divest from fossil fuels last week on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, culminating the Season of Creation celebrations with the largest faith-based divestment announcement to date. This latest commitment to divestment from within the Catholic Church highlights the growing …