Palestine Independent Commission on Human Rights:
Monthly monitoring reports
The Palestine Independent Commission on Human Rights (ICHR) documents
the numbers and patterns of human rights violations in Palestine in monthly
reports. These reports are widely distributed and are considered the reference
about the status of human rights in Palestine by many other organisations,
stakeholders and decision makers. The monthly reports are prepared
through monitoring and documenting human rights violations by ICHR’s field
researchers, who use reliable documentation methods. They also draw on
complaints that the ICHR receives from Palestinian citizens. Receiving and
managing complaints is one of the ICHR’s main tasks, and it is considered
practical and effective, especially because ICHR’s regional offices are able to
reach a wide base of Palestinian citizens and receive complaints from them.
The monthly reports utilise a human rights-based approach and are reflect the
standards set out in international treaties.
The ICHR follows up with all cases of human rights violations mentioned in
the monthly reports. It uses these reports to put pressure on duty bearers and
official decision makers, including the Government and the Palestinian High
Court of Justice, to take serious measures in response to these violations.
For example, it advocates with the Court for it to execute all its decisions,
including decisions related to the release of detainees.
National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia:
Investigating human rights violations by mining companies
Mongolia is currently in the midst of an unprecedented mining boom due to its
rich natural resources. This boom has brought great economic development
to the country but, with the development, it has also contributed to a number
of negative effects on the environment. This in turn affects the rights of many
Mongolians to a healthy and safe environment, among others.
In September 2011, the the National Human Rights Commisison of Mongolia
(NHRC), in partnership with the Mongolian Confederation of Trade Unions,
the Confederation of Trade Unions for Energy, Geology and Mining, the
Confederation of Trade Unions for Transportation, Communication and Oil,
the Mongolian Environmental Civil Council NGO, the Mongolian National
Broadcasting Television, the National Post newspaper and other media, began
investigating the human rights impact of mining on the local population.
The NHRC conducted a number of field missions and inquiries to assess
whether certain mining companies operating in the Umnugobi Province were
breaching the human rights of local Mongolians. It held a number of meetings
and discussions with local people, including traditional herders in the area,
people residing along the roads adjacent to the mine and those living and
working in the mining settlements. The NHRC identified a number of human
rights violations, including the right to health, property and culture.
Throughout the course of the investigation, the NHRC consistently heard
complaints about significant air pollution and erosion of pastureland due to
the heavy mining traffic using the surrounding roads. These environmental
problems have resulted in a number of serious health issues for the population. contaminated drinking water, and an increase in the infection rates of sexually transmitted
diseases as prostitution is on the rise among young women and minors. These health issues have
led to many social problems in the settlements, as well as affecting the livelihoods and traditional
way of life for many nomadic herders.
Following the investigation, the NHRC submitted a report and recommendations to the Prime
Minister of Mongolia, aiming for a number of the issues raised to be addressed immediately.
They also established a new project with UNDP, “Strengthening national human rights oversight
capacity in Mongolia”. Part of this included conducting further research into the human rights
issues and potential solutions to the violations by mining companies in more detail across a
broader spectrum of the country. The project was conducted between 2012 and 2014.
The NHRC’s research and investigations culminated in an international conference, “Mining and
Human Rights in Mongolia”, hosted by the NHRC in 2012. It brought together all the relevant
stakeholders: state, central and local administrative bodies; mining companies; international and
national civil society organisations from the human rights and environmental fields; international
and national media organisations; scientists and researchers; local communities; herders;
artisanal miners; APF member institutions; embassy staff; and UN human rights experts. Results
were shared and recommendations were developed with contributions from all sectors.