Capitalism and neo liberal policies have catalyzed poverty and inequality in resource extraction. In Zimbabwe, the discovery of Marange diamonds since 2002 has presented a clear case of the Dutch disease presented by natural resources to locals. There is no responsible investment in the Marange diamond extraction. Foreign direct investments have made the Kusena community in Marange to live under threat and fear of relocation. The community’s Environmental Social and Cultural Rights (ESCRs) have been greatly compromised. How can indigenous rights be safeguarded in mining communities? There is need for capacity training and networking with other communities who lived the same experience towards an understanding of issues relating to free and informed prior consent on displacements as foreign direct investment takes priority in Zimbabwean natural resource governance.
ACT Ubumbano is a network of Southern African and European organisations working for economic, gender and environmental justice.
