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.
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| 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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
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.
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.
The report also recommended that government should constitutionally guarantee the preservation of socio-cultural rights through security of tenure and recognition of customary rights.
Source: By Prince Henderson, ECM Communication Office.