The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is Africa’s largest mining producer and supplies over 70% of the world’s cobalt. Minerals like copper and cobalt play a crucial role in the energy transition, with demand for these minerals expected to double in the next ten years. However, it is crucial that this transition protects the human rights of the communities tied to the mining industry, especially children. Child labour and lack of decent work opportunities for youth is a lived reality for thousands of children and youth in informal mining regions like Kolwezi. The highest prevalence of child labour, including minors above the legal working age in hazardous work, is found in and around artisanal and small-scale mines (ASM).
Although many companies cannot directly trace their copper or cobalt to ASM, they cannot entirely rule out its presence in their supply chains. With the growing legislation on human rights due diligence, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD) demanding companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate the adverse impacts of their operations on human rights and account for how they address those impacts, the call to action has never been more urgent.
Free Webinar on September 18
The Hub for Child Labour Prevention and Remediation and Fair Cobalt Alliance are hosting a webinar called “Answering the Human Rights Due Diligence Call: An Effective Approach to Addressing Child Labour in ASM Copper-Cobalt” on Wednesday, September 18 at 15:00 CET.
This webinar will provide insights into current child labour challenges in the key mining regions surrounding Kolwezi and spotlight a collaborative programme with a long-term vision and holistic child rights approach that is currently being implemented in the DRC to prevent and remediate child labour in ASM communities. Learn how the programme works, what it has achieved to date, and how it fosters collaboration and strives towards being a sustainable solution that creates a real, positive impact.
Are you ready to answer the call? Join us by registering today.
Who is this most relevant for:
1) Companies operating and linked to the mining supply chain
2) Anyone involved in or interested in human rights due diligence approaches and solutions in the copper and cobalt supply chain will find this session valuable.
Webinar Details
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Time: 15:00 CET
Platform: Zoom (English-French simultaneous interpretation will be provided)
About The Hub for Child Labour Prevention and Remediation
The Hub for Child Labour Prevention and Remediation (known in short as “The Hub”) is an association comprised of seven local CSOs and The Centre for Child Rights and Business to build a strong local network of child rights practitioners in the Kolwezi area. Supported by the FCA since its founding in 2022, The Hub breaks the cycle of child labour by supporting the return of children to education, overseeing their development, and providing financial assistance until the child reaches working age. The Hub gives children and families a path towards a brighter future and ensures they do not return to the mines to work.
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