26 April 2023

The United Nations Working group on business and human rights is calling for input for their report on extractives, just transition and human rights. The call can be found here.

As Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association we are working on a substantial response based on our work on the subject matter, part of it is reflected in our recent Lithium Situational report and the issues highlighted are key for the report.

Some of the questions we are responding to are: How can States better advance human rights-compatible energy transition laws and policies that ensure responsible business conduct in all aspects of energy transition efforts and programs?

-What measures and mechanisms should be provided by extractive sector legislation, bilateral investment treaties, concessions, and contracts to allow individuals or communities affected by extractive activities to seek effective remedy for business-related human rights abuses? What remedies are best suited for this sector?

-What specific renewable energy policies, practices and safeguards should be adopted by States and business so that energy transition does not have adverse effects on human rights?

If you have any ideas on what we should include in our response, kindly get in touch with us on info@zela.org or you can share insights directly with the Working group on hrcwgbusiness@un.org