Improving the field implementation of the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in South Kivu - DRC

This two-year project aims at reinforcing the implementation of the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in South Kivu, DRC. Located in Eastern Congo, South Kivu's mineral production is characterised by artisanal and small scale mining (ASM). The emergence of industrial mining on sites where ASM is prevalent, has consequently led to confrontations, exacerbating existing conflicts. Generally, the extraction and trade of mineral resources in the DRC has not yet led to the country's development nor of its mining communities. On the contrary, the lack of control over minerals has been identified as one of the main cause of conflict in the DRC. An implementation of the Voluntary Principles that aims at improving security and human rights practices would therefore contribute to a better governance in the mining sector which can foster overall peace, security and development.