The announcement by the European Union (EU) of the signing of a memorandum of understanding on strategic minerals with Rwanda on 19 February triggered a wave of indignation within Congolese and European civil society. At a time when the countries of the Great Lakes region are facing a series of security threats that are jeopardising the future of the region's populations, the EU has been singled out for the ambiguity and contradictions of its political choices, further undermining its credibility with its partners and the Congolese people.
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Natural Resources
Natural Resources
The sustainable management of natural resources can constitute a significant lever for reducing poverty and for regional stability. Unfortunately, local populations generally undergo the negative impacts of this exploitation.
EurAc calls for a more transparent and sustainable management of resources, so as to make it favorable to the interests of the most vulnerable populations.
Our latest positions and publications
30/05/2024 - Policy Brief - (FR)
DRC, European Union, Rwanda - Natural Resources
19/10/2023 - Communiqué - (EN/FR)
DRC, European Union - Natural Resources
More than six years after it was signed into law, the EU Regulation on the responsible supply of tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold (3TG) originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs) is failing to reach its key objectives: breaking the link between mineral exploitation and conflict financing and addressing human rights abuses in the supply chains. As part of the co-signatories of this statement, EurAc calls on the European Union and its Member States to take steps to better enforce the existing Regulation and to adopt new measures to improve supply chain transparency while increasing direct support for responsible sourcing in producing countries.
20/08/2021 - Report - (EN/FR)
DRC, European Union, United Nations - Natural Resources
Conflict sensitivity analysis in South Kivu and Ituri that was conducted to ensure that the implementation of the Madini project fits the local context and positively impacts the local population The present study highlights that poor governance, along with chronic poverty, are structural causes of violence in mining regions, whereas the presence of so-called ‘conflict minerals’ is only a symptom.
Report - IPIS Due Diligence series: Comparative analysis between cobalt and 3T sourcing from the DRC
27/07/2021 - Report - (EN)
DRC - Natural Resources
This report compares the supply chains and traceability of 3T and cobalt ores in order to identify similarities, differences, and lessons learned from the decade of 3T experience in responsible sourcing, for the emerging cobalt initiatives.
08/06/2021 - Policy Brief - (EN)
Central Africa, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
The European Conflict Minerals Regulation, approved in 2017, entered into full force begin 2021. By now, each EU Member State should have completed its implementation at national level. This paper offers a comparison of the implementation processes across Member States so far, identifies the best practices and proposes a series of preliminary recommendations ahead of the official review process that the European Commission will conduct in January 2023, and every three years thereafter.
14/10/2020 - Report - (FR)
DRC, European Union, Great Lakes, United Nations - Natural Resources
[French] The 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC45) did focus on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On this occasion, 5 European civil society organisations hosted a webinar to raise awareness among States on the consequences of the poor implementation of the reformed Mining Code on human rights in the DRC. Report of the 23 September 2020 webinar.
02/10/2020 - Communiqué - (FR)
DRC, United Nations - Natural Resources
Within the framework of the 45th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC45), the 5 signatory organisations wish to draw attention to some observations on the impact of the mining sector on the enjoyment of human rights in the country.
29/09/2020 - Press release - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes, United Nations - Natural Resources
During a webinar organised by 5 European civil society organisations in parallel with the 45th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC45), representatives of organisations from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) questioned the effectiveness of the implementation of the revised Mining Code and its impact on the human rights of local populations, including in the context of COVID-19.
13/05/2020 - Communiqué - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes, Rwanda - Natural Resources
We, the undersigned global civil society organisations and community-based associations, are calling for immediate and concerted action from governments, financing institutions, international organisations, private sector actors and others to support artisanal mining communities and to shore up their resilience in this time of COVID-19 crisis. It is also essential that we protect hard-won gains related to human rights and due diligence in mineral supply chains in alignment with the OECD Due Diligence Minerals Guidance.
02/03/2020 - Policy Brief - (EN)
Burundi, Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes, Rwanda - Natural Resources
This policy note, directed and member states and their Competent Authorities (MCAs), highlights three key concerns that the above-mentioned parties must take into account to ensure that the Regulation has a real impact on the practices of European importers of 3TG.
24/01/2020 - Report - (EN)
DRC, European Union - Natural Resources
Overview of the key-arguments, concerns and solutions discussed and elaborated during the 29-30 April 2019 workshop “The EU regulation on responsible mineral sourcing and its accompanying measures: views from civil society from producing countries” bringing together civil society actors from mining countries, such as the DRC and Colombia, as well as from the EU, to discuss the state of implementation of the Regulation. The key result of the workshop was the elaboration of recommendations to EU policy makers drafted jointly with civil society organisations from mineral producing countries and their European counterparts.
19/06/2019 - Memorandum - (EN)
DRC - All thematics, Inclusive political participation & Human Rights, Natural Resources, Peace & Security
In the post-electoral framework of the European Union, the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) publishes its 2019 memorandum on democracy, human rights and natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, aiming to equip newly elected MEPs with an overview of the main dynamics shaping the Great Lakes region and the two countries and to instil new impetus on European policies towards the region.
19/06/2019 - Memorandum - (EN)
Rwanda - All thematics, Inclusive political participation & Human Rights, Natural Resources, Peace & Security
In the post-electoral framework of the European Union, the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) publishes its 2019 memorandum on democracy, human rights and natural resources in Rwanda, aiming to equip newly elected MEPs with an overview of the main dynamics shaping the Great Lakes region and the two countries and to instil new impetus on European policies towards the region.
19/06/2019 - Press release - (EN)
Burundi, Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes, Rwanda - Inclusive political participation & Human Rights, Natural Resources, Peace & Security
Within the post-electoral context of the European Union, the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) publishes two memorandums on democracy, human rights and natural resources in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, aiming to provide newly elected MEPs with an overview of the main dynamics shaping the Great Lakes region and both countries, and to give new impetus on European policies towards the region.
25/04/2019 - Policy Brief - (EN)
European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
This joint policy note provides a critical assessment of the state of implementation of the Regulation, and addresses recommendations to the Commission and Member States to duly fulfil their obligations under the Regulation.Cosigned by ActionAid, Alboan, Amnesty International, EurAc, Focsiv, Germanwatch, Global Witness, Justicia i Pau, Justice & Paix, OENZ, PowerShift, SOMO and Weed.
17/04/2019 - Annual Report - (EN)
- All thematics, Inclusive political participation & Human Rights, Natural Resources, Peace & Security
The European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) publishes its annual report for 2018, highlighting the activities and publications of the secretariat and the members in 2018, it's 15th anniversary year. Contents: - Editorial by François Mercier, President of EurAc- The new EurAc Strategy 2018-2020: Towards an increased EU support to the people in the Great Lakes Region- 2018 for EurAc in numbers - Our work at the EU level in 2018- Our member organisations in action- Our publications and our presence in the media- Financial situation in 2018
06/11/2018 - Policy Brief - (EN)
European Union, Rwanda - Natural Resources
In its latest policy brief “No intensification without participation: European donors must ensure the effective participation of Rwandan farmers in the elaboration of agricultural policy”, the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) calls on the European Union (EU) and Rwanda’s European development donors to use their policy dialogue with Rwandan policy and decision-makers to ensure the effective participation of Rwandan civil society in the design and implementation of agricultural policies.
29/05/2018 - Policy Brief - (EN/FR)
Burundi, European Union - Natural Resources
In its latest policy brief “Agriculture and Food Security in Burundi: European donors must help build the population’s long-term resilience and agricultural capacity” the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) brings attention to the important fall in food security in the country, and calls on the European Union Directorate for Development Cooperation (DEVCO), the European delegation to Burundi and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) to directly support the Burundian population in addressing their food security needs.
04/04/2018 - Policy Brief - (EN)
European Union, Rwanda - Natural Resources
In its latest policy brief "Land & Agriculture in Rwanda: EU support must focus on the needs of the most vulnerable rural actors", the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) offers a critical overview of the main results and achievements of the Rwandan agricultural sector and calls on the European Union (EU) to focus its support on strengthening the economic position of the poorest farmers and the most vulnerable rural actors.
28/03/2018 - Annual Report - (EN/FR)
Burundi, DRC, European Union, Rwanda - Inclusive political participation & Human Rights, Natural Resources, Peace & Security
The European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) publishes its annual report for 2017, highlighting the activities and publications of the secretariat and the members in 2017 as well as looking forward to it's 15th anniversary in 2018.
27/03/2018 - Policy Brief - (EN)
DRC, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
In its latest joint policy brief "Advice Note to Companies, Member States, and the European Commission", the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) along with 15 other civil society organisations, brings attention to the EU Regulation on due diligence in mineral supply chains and the obligations it entails for Union importers of tin, tantalum, and tungsten and gold (3TG) originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
07/12/2017 - Report - (EN/FR)
Burundi, DRC, European Union, Rwanda - Natural Resources
In its new report Land, development and conflict in the Great Lakes region: Towards a renewed EU and Switzerland engagement for equitable land management in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) provides a thorough analysis based on an extensive field research in the three Great Lakes countries and presents practical recommendations to the European Union (EU) and its member states, as well as to Switzerland, for an enhanced engagement of the international community with land governance that contributes to peace, stability and the protection of local populations’ economic and human rights.
22/03/2017 - Report - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
One week ago, on 16 March 2017, the European Parliament approved the European Regulation for the responsible sourcing of minerals originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. In its new report titled 'Accompanying measures to the EU Regulation on responsible mineral sourcing: Towards an improved governance of the artisanal mining sector in the DRC' released today, the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) does not hereby intend to discuss the content of the new regulation but it rather wishes to focus on the “accompanying measures”, the non-legislative measures meant to ensure the effective implementation of the regulation. Based on our understanding of the challenges in the DRC’s artisanal mining sector, EurAc has identified in this report three main gaps, relating to the accompanying measures currently envisaged for the DRC, in the current approach adopted by the European Union (EU) and its Member States: the limited financial resources allocated to strengthening the governance of the artisanal mining sector, then the limited attention paid to local actors and finally the vagueness regarding the strengthening of political dialogue with the Congolese government and with other countries in the Great Lakes region.
10/11/2016 - Policy Brief - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
The European Network for Central Africa (EurAc) calls on representatives of Member States and of the European Parliament participating in the trilogue to revisit their copy on the establishment of the ‘White List’ of smelters and refiners certified as ‘responsible’ and on the definition of exemption thresholds for ‘small’ volumes of ‘3Ts’2 and gold minerals and metals imported into the European Union (EU).
13/06/2016 - Open Letter - (EN)
Central Africa, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
Minerals are key components in many everyday products, from mobile phones, laptops, and jewellery, to cars and light bulbs. In too many cases, however, the extraction and trade of these resources is linked to conflicts and human rights abuses. Civil society organisations have been documenting the links between minerals and these abuses for years, from their role in funding violent armed groups to the use of child labour in mines. But these abuses persist, and companies are still buying and using such minerals without assessing and addressing these risks. It is time to change the status quo. It is time for EU governments to take effective legislative action to ensure companies source minerals responsibly, transparently and sustainably.
11/02/2016 - Policy Brief - (EN/FR)
European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
EurAc and its partners are deeply concerned that the Council mandate agreed by COREPER on 7 December 2015 has proposed reopening and weakening the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, an established standard negotiated and agreed by industry, governments and civil society. This is of little help to the EU companies that are already implementing it, and limits the effectiveness of the EU’s response to the trade in conflict minerals. At the contrary, Member States should show leadership and engage in a constructive dialogue that makes it clear to companies, investors, consumers, and those affected by the trade in conflict minerals, that the EU is firm in its commitment to more responsible and transparent supply chains.
01/10/2015 - Policy Brief - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
The vote in the European Parliament on 20 May has set out key principles for a due diligence system that would align the EU with global efforts to tackle a minerals trade linked to conflict, corruption, and human rights abuses. It would set a practical due diligence standard, secure a level playing field for EU companies and investors, and ensure the EU pursues a coherent and integrated approach to many of its development and foreign policy objectives.
11/05/2015 - Open Letter - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
On 20th May, the European Parliament will vote on a proposed regulation to tackle the trade in conflict minerals. This trade in tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold (3TG) is fuelling conflict which has had devastating consequences for people in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Colombia.
01/10/2014 - Report - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
The discussions surrounding the proposed EU Regulation seem to have intensified the debate on the lessons to be learned from the many initiatives launched in DRC to fight against the phenomenon of ‘conflict minerals’. EurAc would like to contribute to this debate by setting out in this document the analytical bases of its position and recommendations. These bases aim at clarifying the main lessons to be learned from DRC to date. Taking into account the many different facets of the Congolese artisanal mining sector, this clarification exercise will inevitably involve a certain degree of complexity. The analytical bases are therefore presented in 4 chapters, each addressing one of the main issues raised by ‘conflict minerals’ in DRC.
01/10/2014 - Memorandum - (EN/FR)
Burundi, Central Africa, DRC, European Union, Great Lakes, Rwanda, United Nations - Inclusive political participation & Human Rights, Natural Resources, Peace & Security
In this memorandum EurAc presents an analysis of the regional challenges and specific challenges for each of the three countries (DRC, Burundi & Rwanda), which the EU must take into consideration in order to effectively and sustainably support peace and democracy in Central Africa. This analysis is supplemented by recommendations addressed to the various competent European political decision-makers.
01/07/2014 - Policy Brief - (EN)
Central Africa, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
The new European Parliament has a critical opportunity to strengthen legislation proposed by the European Commission and create responsible mineral supply chains for Europe. In its current form the Commission’s proposal, a voluntary scheme open to a limited number of companies, is weak and unfit for purpose. EurAc is calling on MEPs to amend the draft legislation so that it legally requires companies to check their supply chains and identify and mitigate risk – a process known as due diligence – in line with existing international standards. Companies should also be required to report publicly on their efforts.
01/11/2013 - Report - (EN)
DRC, European Union - Natural Resources
The report discusses the socio-economic consequences of the suspension of artisanal mining in 2010, instigated by the DRC president, and a subsequent de facto embargo, as most international mineral traders abstained from returning to the DRC in reaction to Section 1502 of the American Dodd-Frank Act.A number of issues are listed that need to be addressed to ensure the success of a possible EU initiative on responsible sourcing of minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. These issues include the need for local ownership, the question of political will, formalisation, lack of information in the field, and a lack of capacity to implement initiatives in the mining sector.
16/09/2013 - Policy Brief - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
This group of 58 European and global non-governmental organisations including EurAc calls on the European Commission to adopt legislation requiring European business entities to conduct supply chain due diligence in order to ensure that they do not contribute to conflict financing or human rights abuses in the production and trade in natural resources.
27/04/2011 - Policy Brief - (EN/FR)
Central Africa, European Union, Great Lakes - Natural Resources
EurAc and Fatal Transactions believe that the EU institutions and member states must step up their efforts to increase transparency and good governance in the artisanal mining sector in eastern DRC. Action is needed at numerous levels in terms of: encouraging EU companies trading in certain minerals to undertake adequate due diligence; support to certification and mapping efforts on the ground in eastern DRC; the reinforcement of Congolese state capacities to administer the mining sector; and support programs aimed at increasing socio-economic benefits from mining at community level.