Human Rights League accuses companies of trampling basic rights in Mozambique

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Human Rights League accuses companies of trampling basic rights in Mozambique

2:56 CAT | 20 Oct 2016

Lusa (File photo)

The president of the Mozambican Human Rights League (LDH), Alice Mabota, has said that large investments in the exploitation of natural resources in Mozambique have led to egregious abuses of the most basic human rights.

Speaking on Monday 17 October at the Second National Conference on Business and Human Rights in Mozambique in Maputo, Mabota denounced corporations’ violations of ethical principles in relation to communities.

“The favourable tax regime for corporations and the incipient vision of the integration of human rights in corporate and business strategies and operations are two of the factors that have led to abuses of the most basic human rights, including those of communities, workers and consumers themselves,” said Mabota.

At the same meeting, the resident coordinator of the United Nations in Mozambique, Marcia de Castro, maintained out that business investment is reducing the risk to human rights and damage to the moral, health and environmental order, and is promoting sustainable development.

“The guiding principles on business and human rights consists of three pillars: the state’s duty to protect its citizens against violations of human rights; corporate responsibility to respect human rights; and access to effective remedy for victims of human rights abuses linked to companies,” de Castro said.

Mozambique Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs Isaac Chande spoke about the importance of an environment of harmony and good will between business and investments and respect for human rights.

“Such an environment is essential to a healthy balance between economic growth and the welfare and happiness of the citizens, contributing to the development of the country,” Chande said.

Source: Lusa