The PPT convened in Montreal from May 29 to June 1 at the request of a group of more than 40 organizations from Quebec and the rest of Canada. The request presented to the Tribunal identified a pattern of systematic human rights violations caused by the Canadian mining industry in Latin America. During the public hearings, the Tribunal assessed the responsibilities of Canadian mining companies, the Canadian government and its various agencies, which, through political, economic, and legislative means, contribute to human rights violations and the impunity of those responsible. The Tribunal heard testimony from approximately 20 witnesses and experts on the rights at risk of being compromised by the implementation of mining projects: the right to life and a healthy environment, the right to self-determination, and the right to full citizenship. The allegations against Canadian companies related to political support and interference in host countries’ legislative processes, as well as to economic and financial support, official development assistance, and access to justice.
Based on the documentation presented to the Panel of Judges, the Tribunal found various entities within the Canadian mining industry to be responsible for violations of human and peoples’ rights. The Tribunal also affirmed the joint responsibility of the Canadian government and Latin American countries in which these companies operate for failing to prevent the violations, tolerating and concealing them, and obstructing communities’ access to adequate protection mechanisms.
Requesting organisations:
- Entraide missionaire
- Committee for Human Rights in Latin America (CHRLA)
- Justice transnationales extractives (JUSTE)
- Projet Accompagnement Solidarité Colombie (PASC)
- the Polaris Institute
- Alternatives
- the Centre de recherche en éducation et formation relatives à l’environnement et à l’écocitoyenneté
(Centr’ERE) of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) - Coalition québécoise sur les impacts socio-environnementaux des transnationales en Amérique latine (QUISETAL)
Documentation:
Download the Judgement in English
Download the Judgement in Spanish