HRCSL Conducts Monitoring Exercise at Seawright Mining Company to Uphold Business and Human Rights Standards
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has successfully concluded a comprehensive two-day monitoring exercise on the operations of Seawright Mining Company in Kono District. Conducted on September 16 and 17, 2024, this initiative aligns with the Commission’s mandate to oversee and document human rights violations across the country, as stipulated in Section 7(2)(f) of the HRCSL Act (No. 9) of 2014.
Objectives of the Monitoring Exercise
The primary goal of this monitoring exercise was to evaluate Seawright Mining Company’s compliance with business and human rights standards, adhering to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). This initiative is vital in ensuring that companies operating within Sierra Leone not only contribute to economic growth but also uphold the rights and dignity of local communities affected by their activities.
Engaging Stakeholders
During the monitoring period, the HRCSL team, led by the Director of Business and Human Rights and Labour Relations (BHR&LR), Mr. Abdulai Yollah Bangura, included key representatives from various sectors. The team comprised his Deputy, Mr. Moses Massaquoi; the Deputy Director of Gender and Children’s Affairs (DGCA), Mrs. Ann-Marie Balboa; the Deputy Director and Head of the Commission’s Eastern Regional Office, Mr. Vandi Saidu; Senior Human Rights Officer, Mrs. Haja Aminata Bawoh; and Human Rights Officer, Cyril Ephraim Keh, all of the BHR&LR.
The team met with a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the District Human Rights Committee, residents of the impacted communities, the Paramount Chief, and senior management of Seawright Mining Company. These discussions aimed to gather insights on the community’s experiences and the company’s operational practices.
Key Areas of Focus
The monitoring exercise focused on several critical areas, including:
- Impact on Local Communities: Assessing how Seawright Mining’s operations affect the livelihoods and well-being of residents in the surrounding areas.
- Environmental Compliance: Evaluating the company’s adherence to environmental standards and its impact on local ecosystems.
- Workers’ Rights: Investigating labor practices within the company, ensuring that workers are treated fairly and receive appropriate protections.
- Community Engagement: Understanding the mechanisms Seawright Mining employs to engage with local communities and address their concerns.
Ensuring Accountability
Mr. Bangura emphasized the importance of corporate accountability in promoting respect for human rights. “Our monitoring is crucial not only for documenting potential violations but also for fostering dialogue between the company and the communities it serves,” he stated. He expressed hope that the findings from this exercise would lead to constructive outcomes and improvements in business practices.
Next Steps
The HRCSL plans to compile a detailed report based on the findings from the monitoring exercise. This report will provide recommendations aimed at enhancing compliance with human rights standards and improving the relationship between Seawright Mining Company and the affected communities.
As the HRCSL continues its vital work in promoting human rights across Sierra Leone, this monitoring exercise stands as a testament to its commitment to ensuring that businesses operate responsibly and ethically, benefiting both the economy and the communities they impact.
