Join the international campaign to stop the ANZ Bank from financing mining activities in the Phillipines by Didipio Gold-Copper Mining project, owned by Australian owned Oceana Gold Corporation.
‘OGC has caused widespread community displacement, human rights violations, economic dislocation, environmental devastation and social disputes in the indigenous people (IP) communities in Kasibu, Nueva
Vizcaya as illustrated by the following violations of economic, social, cultural, and human rights……….’:
Read more HERE
http://www.kalikasan.org/kalikasan-cms-new/index.php?q=withdraw-support
This litany of grievances and valid issues raised against OGC have been brought to the attention of more sectors within Philippine society, including government agencies such as the Commission on Human Rights and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; major religious formations such as the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines; and policy-makers such as individual solons from the House of Representatives.
However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the present administration of Secretary Lito Atienza has continued to turn a blind eye to the overwhelming clamor for the stoppage of the Didipio Gold-Copper mining project.
Considering the circumstances stated above, the international banks ANZ and HSBC have the responsibility to take actions on the above issues and do their part to ensure that OGC respects the rights of local communities and the protection of the environment.
Based on the experiences in Didipio, OGC has failed to practice socially responsible and sound environmental practices. As such, the banks should immediately call for the suspension of mining activities of OGC in the area and stop supporting the Didipio Gold-Copper Mining Project until the above issues have been resolved. Continuing their financial backing of OGC would translate to the banks’ endorsement and toleration of OGC’s offenses against the indigenous people’s communities in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
Accordingly, OGC together with its financial supporters should be held accountable.
