SA Human Rights Commission concerned at the plight of mine workers

The South African Human Rights Commission is concerned about the reported poor safety conditions on South African mines, and therefore wishes to call on the mining industry to address the human rights concerns of workers.

The Commission is of the view that it is not an adequate response to continually refer to the fact that mining is dangerous. The truth of the matter is that mining in South Africa is more dangerous than in many other countries in the world, and the number of deaths in the mining industry in South Africa has actually increased over the past year.

Occupational health and safety issues are human rights issues and the Commission recognizes the very real concerns of mine workers in South Africa. The Commission has noted that the National Union of Mineworkers exercised their right to strike yesterday over safety concerns in the industry, and the Commission is pleased that this is being addressed as an issue of national concern.

Although it is necessary to formulate strategies and develop benchmarks for safety in the mining industry, in the same breath it is necessary to establish the human context and the human cost, sometimes in lives, which this strategy seeks to address. It appears that business is failing to make the necessary connection between mine workers’ safety concerns and corporations’ human rights obligations. Business needs to recognize, respect and protect the right to fair labour practices, the right to bodily and psychological integrity and the inherent dignity of workers.

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Enquiries: Christine Jesseman, Co-ordinator: Human Rights and Business Special Programme on Cell 083 647 3887