CSO advocates integration of human rights in Environmental Impact Assessment
NAN-H-134
Integration
By Kate Obande-Okewu/ Jane Echioda
Abuja, March 1, 2017 (NAN) Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Nigeria, Civil Society Organisation, has advocated the integration of Human Rights Impact Assessment into the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to ensure safety of citizens in extractive areas.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that PWYP, an international organisation, aimed at Extracting the Truth, Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in the Extractive Sector of oil, gas and solid minerals.
Mr Taiwo Otitolaye, North Central Coordinator, PWYP, who made the call at a news briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the integration would allow citizens to benefit from the extractive sector.
He stated that women and children suffer most from the adverse effect of mineral resource exploration in the country.
“The weak governance in mineral exploration, weak regulation and oversight by government at all levels, especially with respect to human right abuse; accountability and transparency fail to recognise the connections between environmental hazards and human rights.
“Natural resource exploration in Nigeria is pushing inhabitants into greater risk of health hazards, famine, malnutrition, child labour and many other issues.
“The integration of Human Rights into Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) will make companies exercise due diligence and become aware of, prevent and address adverse human rights impacts that are associated with their operations in Nigeria,’’ Otitolaye said.
He said that the organisation have carried out advocacy visit to partners that were critical to achieving the goal such as the Ministry of Environment, Members of the host communities National Assembly among others.
He said that achieving this policy will bridge existing gaps for improved environmental protection.
He added that the campaign was hinged on the fact that social impact assessment that was conducted by operators of extractive industry has not been giving adequate attention to human rights.
The coordinator further explained that the lack of attention to human rights promotes gross violations of environmental, socio-cultural and economic rights of the people.
According to him, the policy will serve as a peace building mechanism in host communities and create a balance between the extractive sector and the rights of citizens.
He appealed for the strengthening of extant laws, policies and framework on extractive sector and the environment to allow legal enforceability for individuals and communities whose rights were violated.
Otitolaye also called for the timely identification and prevention of human rights breaches and environmental hazards.
He called for adequate provision of mitigating measures to avoid any form of injury to health and livelihood. (NAN)
JEE/KTE/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide