ZELA Kicks Off 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with Psychosocial Support for Women Affected by Mining Activities

Compiled by Clive Mahachi While mining can drive economic growth, it often leaves a trail of social and psychological turmoil, particularly for women who bear the brunt of environmental degradation, displacement, and increased risks of violence. This reality underscores the urgent need for psychosocial support services tailored specifically for women impacted by mining activities. In […]

Protecting Environmental Child Rights (ECR) in Mining Communities

Compiled by Tildar Nyakuni and Whitney Chinowawa (Environmental Child Rights Defenders) Our work in mining communities such as Chiadzwa and Chimanimani has given us firsthand experiences of the devastating impact of environmental degradation on children’s lives. These experiences have spurred us to keep writing and advocating for Environmental Child Rights as ECR Defenders under the […]

MOMENTUM FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL COURTS / SPECIALISED TRIBUNALS GATHERS PACE IN AFRICA

Compiled by Mutuso Dhliwayo and Hazel Tariro Chimbiro Introduction / Background To develop a cadre of judges, lawyers and experts with expertise in environmental law, strengthen access to courts in environmental cases and facilitate the effective adjudication of environmental cases, many countries have created specialized environmental courts and tribunals (ECTs) or environmental , green ‘benches’ […]

General Comment 26 training in Marange

Sustainable Environment for Future Generations: General Comment 26 of 2023 a Game Changer

Compiled by Proud Z Nyakuni Following the adoption of the My Planet, My Rights Petition led by Terre Des Hommes globally, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) nationally,and Marange Youths at District Level in Manicaland, there was increased recognition of environmental child rights locally and globally by duty bearers.  A global call for Governments to […]

The 3rd African Forum on Business and Human Rights: Renewed hope for Responsible Business Conduct

Compiled by Obert Bore Kenya recently hosted the 3rd African Forum on Business and Human Rights (BHR) from 8 to 10 October 2024. The forum brought together stakeholders from African governments, business enterprises and associations, labor organizations, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), human rights actors, think tanks, international organizations, civil society organizations, and communities across […]

PWYP Zimbabwe calls on Chamber of Mines to ensure members’ ESG compliance

Compiled by Batanai Mutasa As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with challenges posed by the extraction of its rich mineral resources, the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Zimbabwe coalition has urged the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe (COMZ) to prioritize transparency and accountability within the extractive industry. In its latest campaign, the coalition of civil society organizations […]

ZELA Statement on the 2025 National Budget

Date of Release: 8 October, 2024 As the nation embarks on the formulation of the 2025 National Budget, it is crucial to acknowledge concerns raised by various stakeholders, including Government officials, Parliamentarians, academia, and community representatives. These stakeholders have expressed reservations that the mining sector has not been contributing a fair share of taxes to […]

End of Project Evaluation Terms of Reference (TORs)

Call for consultants to carry out an End of Term Evaluation Deadline: 04 October 2024 Introduction and background Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), a public interest environmental law organisation that seeks to promote environmental justice, sustainable and equitable use of natural resources, democracy and good governance in the natural resources and environment sector, is seeking […]

ZELA’s Community of Practice: Cultivating Collective Knowledge and Praxis within the Critical Minerals Value Chain

Compiled by Tatenda Mapooze In 2015, 196 parties signed the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. This global commitment has significant implications for the mining industry, beyond just the impacts of climate change itself[1]. Climate change effects are already […]