Barrick Provides Update to Unsubstantiated Human Rights Allegations
Tanzanian Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance Concludes Investigation
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Toronto, October 7, 2024 – In response to the unsubstantiated allegations of human rights violations made by International NGO MiningWatch Canada and the ‘Joint Communication’ from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Special Procedures Branch, Barrick asked the Tanzanian Commission on Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) to investigate the allegations as a matter of urgency.
Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow said that the CHRAGG, an independent government department established as the national focal point for the promotion and protection of human rights in Tanzania, is the appropriate institution to review and investigate these allegations and is the same institution that MiningWatch Canada and the UNHRC should have engaged with, but chose not to, regarding these allegations.
The CHRAGG, have since conducted a site visit to the Mara Region and have concluded their investigation into the allegations of human rights violations. Among the findings of the investigation, CHRAGG confirmed that there was no evidence of forced evictions and that the acquisition of land around the mine took place in accordance with the law and that fair compensation was paid. CHRAGG also determined that there were no human rights violations in relation to security at the North Mara Gold Mine and noted the significant efforts by the mine to prevent security related incidents through prohibiting private security companies hired by the Mine from carrying weapons, as well as supporting community-based security arrangements funded by the Mine
The CHRAGG released their findings to the media and this was reported locally here:
“We trust that this independent investigation by the CHRAGG, and their findings into the allegations irresponsibly reported publicly, brings this matter to a close,” said Bristow. “Barrick is focused, as it has been since taking over operations of North Mara Gold Mine, on developing strong relationships with our local partners while making significant contributions to the region and Tanzania as a whole.”
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