UN experts urge Ecuador to align mining project consultations with human rights standards

The experts highlighted issues with the current consultation processes, pointing out that not all affected parties have been involved and that the information provided to the communities has been incomplete and biased.

UN experts have raised concerns about the human rights implications of environmental consultations related to mining projects in Ecuador, emphasizing that these consultations should be inclusive of all communities potentially affected by such developments. The experts highlighted issues with the current consultation processes, pointing out that not all affected parties have been involved and that the information provided to the communities has been incomplete and biased.

Specifically, the UN experts noted that the Indigenous Peoples and communities near the Canadian-owned mining projects La Plata SA in Cotopaxi and Curipampa- El Domo in Bolivar have not been adequately consulted. These areas have experienced heightened social conflict and tensions following the exclusion of these groups. Furthermore, the deployment of police and military forces has led to clashes with community members, exacerbating the situation.

The experts also expressed concern over the criminal charges brought against more than 70 human rights defenders, including Indigenous leaders, who have opposed the mining projects. These charges are seen as retaliatory actions by the companies involved, contradicting their obligations under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to respect human rights.

The experts called for a reevaluation of the consultation processes to align with international standards. This includes ensuring that all potentially affected parties are not only included but also fully informed about the projects before they commence. Additionally, the rights to free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendant communities must be upheld. The experts have engaged with the governments of Ecuador and Canada, as well as the companies involved, to address these concerns.