As discussions on the role of mining in the energy transition grow, the importance of human rights and environmental protection in mining operations was highlighted at an event in Armenia. Experts from the business sector, government, international organisations, and diplomatic missions explored these issues at an event organised by the Council of Europe in cooperation with private industry stakeholders, namely Grant Thornton Armenia and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA). The experts underlined the importance of responsible mining — an industry that supplies not only the metals required for the energy transition but also other materials essential to societies everywhere. Key elements of responsible mining discussed included transparency, the involvement of local communities and stakeholders in decision-making, and awareness of human rights and environmental standards.
Human Rights and Environmentally Responsible Business Practices
The project aims to enhance the protection of human rights and the environment with a special focus on business operations’ impact on them.
It is guided by COE Committee of Minister’s recommendations: CM/Rec(2016)3 on Human Rights and Business built on 2011 UN Guiding Principles, and CM/Rec(2022)20 on Human Rights and the protection of the environment.
Project objectives
1. Equip member states with tools to design and implement measures that enhance human rights, social rights, and environmental compliance in business operations
2. Strengthen human rights, social rights, and environmental protection within businesses processes
Expected outputs and results
- Businesses have strengthened capacity to consider potential negative impacts (due diligence) on human rights and environment and to eliminate and/or remedy such impact
- Member states are supported in developing/improving policies and are informed about good practices that help integrate human rights and environment considerations into business operations
- Those affected by business’ negative impact on human rights and environment have better access to the remedies and the respective institutions (judicial and non-judicial) are better equipped to provide such remedies
Key activities
- Pilot a knowledge platform that compiles key resources, including case law from the European Court of Human Rights, Council of Europe’s and other standards
- Facilitate peer discussions, training, and knowledge sharing among member states to align national practices on human rights, social rights, and environmental issues in business
- Develop/upgrade tools to help member states provide access to judicial and non-judicial remedies for victims of business-related human rights and environmental abuses
- Conduct a comparative analysis of laws and best practices for protecting human rights and the environment in business across several member states
- Establish an academic forum for researchers focused on human rights, the environment, and business
- Design communication and awareness actions and simplified explanation of available remedies in selected member states
- Support businesses and due diligence professionals in understanding human rights, social rights, and environmental standards through a dedicated knowledge platform
Key beneficiaries & stakeholders
- Public officials and representatives of the relevant institutions of the participating states
- Business associations, individual businesses, civil society organisations and national institutions dealing with human rights and business
Project information
- Duration: 15 months (1 October 2024 – 31 December 2025)
- Countries (multilateral)
- Funding: Human Rights Trust Fund
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