In the era of growing global concerns about human rights violations and the need to accord equal rights and opportunities for all, Newmont Golden Ridge Limited has taken the forefront, in the country, to empower its stakeholders on their human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international laws and standards.
Mr. Ato Aubynn, Newmont Africa Operations, interacting with participants at the workshop
The company as part of its commitment to implementing the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) has organized a training workshop for its stakeholders made up of employees, contractors, community members, security agencies and others.
The weeklong workshop sought to educate and create the awareness of the stakeholders in the mining business about the human rights commitments and obligations in the mining industry.
‘Human rights are basic standards aimed at securing dignity and equality for all. Every human being is entitled to enjoy them without discrimination. They include the rights contained in the “International Bill of Human Rights,” meaning the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.’
Internationally recognised human rights also include the principles concerning fundamental rights set out in the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, which addresses freedom of association and collective bargaining, forced labour, child labour and non-discrimination.
Recognising the impact that human rights abuses of staff, workers in the supply chains, or the operational communities, a number of companies particularly those in the extractive sector, are taking up the responsibility to address the range of human rights issues linked to their operations.
The Regional Social Responsibility Manager for Africa, Newmont Africa Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ato Aubynn, noted that Newmont is committed to respecting the rights of its employees and communities within which it operates.
He explained that it against this backdrop that the Company, from the onset, periodically engages stakeholders to discuss issues that bring about peace and good working relationship among staff as well as community members.
He observed that the workshop affords the opportunity to build basic awareness among employees, business partners, community members among other actors to be able to uphold and assert their human rights and that of others.
Mr. Ato Aubynn said measures have been put in place to ensure that as part of the values, responsibilities and purpose of the company to be ‘responsible’ safety, environmental stewardship and social responsibility are taken seriously.
To this end he said Newmont is ready to institute actions against business partners who violate the rights of others.
Among the number of issues discussed at the workshop, participants were particularly encouraged to uphold the rights of others as they seek to uphold their own rights. They were also encouraged to be peaceful at all times in their demands and quest for other benefits.
The Interim General Mine Manager, Mr. Okyere Ntrama, in an interview at the sidelines of the workshop, noted that the involvement of stakeholders in the activities of the Mine helps to create trust and greater understanding in their operations.
Against this backdrop he explained that the engagement will be continual to ensure the promotion of human rights among all the stakeholders.
At the end of the training sessions both workers and community members expressed the opportunity to learn about human rights as well as their own contribution to ensuring peaceful working environment and security.
