Defending our rights: A call to action against Glencore

*Representatives of the delegation to the UN from Resistencia Activa Ya!*

London Mining Network publishes the following information on behalf of Resistencia Activa Ya! and stands in solidarity with the coalition in calling for action to hold Glencore to account for its harms around the world.

About Resistencia Activa Ya!

Resistencia Activa Ya! (RAY!) is a global coalition that unites communities affected by Glencore, a multinational mining corporation notorious for its widespread environmental destruction and human rights violations. RAY! is committed to fighting back against their ruthless exploitation, which threatens people’s homes, livelihoods, and the very fabric of our natural world.

Communication to the UN Human Rights Council

Together with accredited organisations, and with the advice of CETIM, RAY! has submitted an official written report and filed a complaint with the protection mechanisms of the UN Human Rights Council, directly confronting the atrocities committed by Glencore. This document stands as a bold assertion of resistance against corporate tyranny – a demand for justice and accountability that must be heard by the international community.

Why Glencore is a danger to all

Glencore’s operations are emblematic of corporate greed and environmental negligence. Here are key aspects of their destructive impact:

Human rights and environmental violations: Transnational companies like Glencore operate with considerable economic and political power, benefiting from a lack of legal accountability. They evade justice and maintain de facto impunity through complex legal frameworks.
Destructive mining practices: As one of the largest mining companies globally, Glencore produces and distributes coal, copper, and cobalt, while also engaging in oil trading. They exploit natural resources through unfair public concessions, often involving corruption, which devastates human rights and public finances.
Contamination and health risks: Glencore’s mining activities have caused severe environmental degradation, contaminating soil and groundwater with toxic metals. Communities in places like Peru and Zambia face systemic poisoning through contaminated water supplies that harm health and livelihoods.
Water rights violations: Glencore’s exploitation practices have diverted and polluted vital water sources, leading to severe water scarcity for local populations. In Colombia, for instance, the Cerrejón mine has consumed and contaminated millions of litres of water daily, depriving communities of essential resources.
Attacks on local communities: Glencore’s operations often displace Indigenous Peoples and undermine their rights. Communities have faced intense repression and violence when resisting these exploitative activities, with human rights defenders targeted for speaking out.
Health crises: The impacts of Glencore’s operations lead to severe consequences for people’s health, including respiratory diseases, cancers, and congenital disorders among affected populations.
Contributing to climate change: Glencore’s mining activities are significant contributors to the global climate crisis. Their operations result in massive greenhouse gas emissions, undermining global efforts to combat climate change.
Corruption and accountability: Glencore has been implicated in systematic corruption involving officials in multiple countries, further entrenching their power and facilitating abuses.
Lack of access to justice: Frequently ignoring court orders and undermining legal processes, Glencore operates with impunity, making it challenging for affected communities to seek justice and reparations.

Call to action

To other communities affected by Glencore: We stand with you and invite you to also resist and join our coalition if you want Glencore to shut its doors in your territory.

To activists: We need your solidarity to further put pressure on Glencore and the states that enable it, and to support the communities in their daily struggles against Glencore. Get in touch if you’d like to support administrative and campaign work, funding or communications.

To states that have granted concessions to Glencore: Ensure full respect for human rights, particularly the principle of free, prior, and informed consent from affected communities. Consider closing down the mines and ending the concessions. Stand on the side of your people.

To the states of Switzerland and the UK that are Glencore’s main enablers: Your governments must hold Glencore accountable for the harms it is committing around the world and end your complicity with these abuses.