Our work in mining communities such as Chiadzwa and Chimanimani has given us first hand experiences of the devastating impact of environmental degradation on children’s lives.
These experiences have spurred us to keep writing and advocating for environmental child rights (ECR) as ECR defenders under the Multi- Actor Partnerships Project.
The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (Zela), in collaboration with stakeholders from Mutare Rural and Chimanimani districts, has been instrumental in capacitating youths to advocate for children’s rights and supporting the formation of environmental clubs in schools as well as environmental committees that include youths and children or are open to receive their views and contributions in the development of environmental action plans (EMPs).
In the same vein, Marange youths contributed to the development of CRC General Comment 26 of 2023 as they shared stories and experiences of children in the mining communities of Chiadzwa and Chimanimani.
To raise awareness on the provisions of General Comment 26 of 2023 on child rights and environmental rights with a focus on climate change, Zela hosted a community workshop.
The workshop was also aimed at enhancing awareness on GC26 through the identification of local channels to disseminate information and report violations of child rights relating to environment and provisions of GC26.
The United Nations General Comment 26 of 2023 (GC26) emphasises the importance of considering children’s best interests in decision-making processes as one of the rights provided.
Article 3 stresses that any decision affecting children must prioritize their well-being. In mining communities, this means:
- Conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) that consider children’s unique needs.
- Involving children in consultation processes to ensure their voices are heard.
- Protecting children from hazardous mining practices and pollution.
In Chiadzwa and Chimanimani, our youth networks are pushing for inclusive environmental social impact assessment that consider the unique perspectives of indigenous and minority children.
Thus, we urge governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to prioritize children’s best interests in decision-making, conduct child-sensitive ESIAs and ensure meaningful participation of indigenous and minority children in consultation processes.
Together, we can protect the rights of children in mining communities and ensure a safer, healthier future.