Despite Rio Tinto’s claims that QMM’s 2022 compensation process was properly managed by QMM, oral reports from the field suggested human rights violations, gag orders, and inadequate compensation amounts.
these are Reported to Business and Human Rights Resource Center It published its account of the events (BHRRC) and was rejoined by participants from civil society organizations.
In 2023, approximately 20,000 Antonosians signed a petition by the association LUSUD calling for a suspension of QMM activities until outstanding compensation and outstanding social and environmental issues are resolved. LUSUD leaders have repeatedly requested direct talks with the QMM and the government. These were denied.
During this period, LUSUD leader Eugène Chretien underwent a series of attempts at imprisonment. Unconfirmed reports said his home was searched by police without a warrant. His daughter was taken into police custody without charge.
I understand
When he finally turned himself in at the police station, the lawyer accompanying him received the following punishment: Unacceptable treatment by local police.
By June 2023, LUSUD had organized itself after at least three failed attempts to draw the QMM into a dialogue on grievances. Protests took place and roads were blocked To the mine.
Of the approximately 127 people arrested during the protests, 80 were jailed, including a woman who was seven months pregnant. 5 QMM members. Many are imprisoned miles from Fort Dauphin, where they live, and are at risk of being deprived of food or food. Other violations.
Arrest warrants have been issued for two LUSUD leaders. They are still in hiding, fearing for their lives. The warrant against LUSUD leaders was directly related to: Conflict over QMM.
responsibility
Rio Tinto confirmed the death in October in a statement sent to Rio Tinto. ecologist. When the issue was raised with them, 2024 General Meeting of Shareholders, Rio Tinto’s chairman described the incident as “election-related”.
In my view, Rio Tinto misled investors by suggesting that this incident had nothing to do with its Madagascar operations.
Rather than acknowledging and addressing legitimate claims and complaints, Rio Tinto politicized the protests. This allowed Rio Tinto to avoid any liability and instead shift the blame for the deaths onto its business partner, the government, effectively accusing the deceased of being a political agitator.
Rio Tinto is a signatory to United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP) 29/31. The principles require that QMMs enable individuals or groups to interact directly with a reliable, effective and legitimate operational level grievance process.
Rio Tinto also has a public policy commitment to meet the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB), which is centered around human rights defenders (HRD). Specifically, we do not tolerate attacks on human rights defenders, and we expect our business partners to do the same. That would include the Madagascan government.
Rio Tinto is not, according to CHRB scorecard The company must meet the third criterion: “Committed to working with human rights defenders to create a safe environment for local, national, or international public participation and human rights.” level.”
suppression
Given their repeated rejection of requests to meet with LUSUD, it would appear that QMM certainly has not met the Engagement Delivery Benchmark or the UNGP’s commitments in Madagascar.
Two other criteria of zero tolerance for attacks on HRD are also called into question when analyzing the deaths since last October and the systematic criminalization of protesters against the QMM for almost a year. 20 years.
The lack of an investigation means there is still no explanation for the use of live ammunition against local residents in October 2023.
As one local resident pointed out, this was not the case even when tensions were high in Madagascar. 2023 national electionspolice fired tear gas and rubber bullets during a traditional march in the capital, but did police use live ammunition against Malagasy citizens?
The right to assembly and protest is enshrined in Malagasy law. However, Madagascar’s current regime increasingly suppress civil society, It has a chilling effect on human rights protection and action.
Companies like Rio Tinto, operating in countries with weak governance, systemic corruption and repression of citizens, have an even greater obligation to live up to their commitments to the UNGPs and human rights defenders.
plight
In a certain year, Global Witness Report highlights the growing threat to human rights defenders, pointing out that the deaths of many human rights defenders go unreported, and that they remain invisible in the global movement to sacrifice their lives to protect their rights. He said it was essential to focus on people.
The deaths of Madame Dummy, Madame Francia, and Madame Jean Solomon, and their plight, cannot and will not be forgotten.
Rio Tinto must:
- Ensure an investigation into the October deaths and the responsibility of those responsible.
- Review and openly report on policies to ensure commitment and implementation of all CHRB benchmarks for human rights defenders.
- Respond to civil society demands for an audit of QMM’s compensation and grievance procedures.
- Responding to civil society demands Independent water impact assessment QMM can comprehensively address and remediate the root causes of damages and conflicts.
right to reply
This was announced by a Rio Tinto spokesperson. ecologist: ”In 2023, the Fort Dauphin area and QMM experienced a series of demonstrations led by local organization LUSUD. In late June, demonstrators blocked the main public road leading to the Mandena mine site, severely impacting QMM’s operations. The 380 QMM employees were unable to leave the field for more than seven days and were forced to curtail most activities, leaving only essential services, such as power to Fort Dauphin, connected. .
“Madagascar’s public security forces intervened on July 3, 2023, in the process resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to several demonstrators and members of the public security forces. On October 19, 2023, demonstrators Although initially peaceful, the group of protesters continued to take people hostage, including police officers, until the intervention of public security forces to free the hostages resulted in tragic deaths. brought.
“QMM is deeply saddened by these tragic events. We recognize the important role of civil society organizations and other human rights and environmental defenders as key champions of change. We support open civic space and respect the rights to peaceful assembly and expression, but we strongly reject actions or activities by any person or organization that may threaten the safety and well-being of anyone. Masu.
“While we cannot control the actions of others, we are committed to finding ways to influence positive change. For example, we We have worked in good faith to develop programs to improve the public welfare.” The understanding of security forces about the importance of respecting human rights in security systems and operations also includes face-to-face training for public safety forces at Fort Dauphin. Included. ”
this author
Yvonne Orengo is independent communications expert and director Andrew Rees Trustis a British charity founded in 1994 following the death of its namesake in Madagascar. Yvonne was based in Madagascar for over six years, where she developed ALT UK’s strategic program. She has followed the evolution of Rio Tinto’s QMM project for almost 30 years.
