Title: ICGLR Regional Forum on Artisanal Gold Mining: Towards Responsible and Sustainable Trade in the Great Lakes Region
Introduction: The ICGLR Secretariat and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are preparing to organize a regional forum from September 12 to 15 in Kinshasa. The objective of this event is to discuss the implementation of the ICGLR artisanal and small-scale gold mining strategy and develop a regional monitoring system to ensure responsible and sustainable trade in the Great Lakes region.
The ICGLR and artisanal gold mining:
The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has implemented a strategy for artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the Great Lakes region. This strategy aims to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources and promote responsible gold trade in the region. It involves the establishment of a regional monitoring system to guarantee the traceability of minerals and prevent their financing of armed conflicts.
The importance of responsible gold trading:
Artisanal gold mining is an important economic activity in the Great Lakes region. However, it is often associated with issues such as child labor, illicit trafficking and illegal resource exploitation. Responsible gold trading is therefore essential to ensure the sustainability of this industry and respect for human rights in the region.
The objectives of the regional forum:
The regional forum organized by the ICGLR Secretariat and the Government of the DRC aims to bring together all stakeholders concerned with artisanal gold mining in the Great Lakes region. The main objective is to promote exchange and consultation to establish a coherent and effective regional mineral monitoring system.
This monitoring system will make it possible to track the origin of minerals, identify the actors involved in their extraction and verify their compliance with international standards. It will also help combat the financing of armed conflicts and promote fair and responsible gold trade.
Conclusion :
The ICGLR Regional Forum on Artisanal Gold Mining is an important step in implementing the regional strategy to promote responsible gold trade in the Great Lakes region. By promoting exchange and consultation between the stakeholders concerned, this forum will contribute to strengthening the traceability of minerals and guaranteeing their legal origin. This is a significant step forward towards more sustainable and human rights-respecting artisanal mining in the region.