Khanbogd Soum petition to Rio Tinto Shareholders–August 2013 August 7, 2013 Posted by otwatchweb Dear Rio Tinto Shareholder, We hereby are sending you the petition of the affected herders of Khanbogd soum where the Oyu Tolgoi project is located: Rio Tinto in its policies has it that it will protect the rights of land-based peoples, will not cause damage to the right of such indigenous communities and implement on responsible production without damage to the environment. Rio Tinto is not applying this policy to the affected communities in South Gobi. It is therefore requested that you ensure implementation and monitor compliance with your policies. Violation 1: Our livelihoods and lifestyle are based on land and natural resources. Loss of pasture leads directly to loss of means of livelihood. Oyu Tolgoi project management does not recognize this connection. Violation 2: We are absolutely against the use of scarce desert water resources for Oyu Tolgoi production purposes. It is already evident that not only livestock but local communities are losing access to adequate water supply. Pasture, water resources are being taken from us and fenced in by the mine. Violation 3: The impact assessment and compensation is carried out without an adequate methodology that measures impact based on the proximity of winter camps to the sources of negative impact rather than the size and quality of pasture lost; lacking transparency and nondiscriminatory application; there is no compensation for loss of access to water. We hereby request that you remind Rio Tinto/Oyu Tolgoi LLC of their responsibility to respect the rights of local communities; and monitor the implementation of remedies to our complaints; and ensure that adequate compensation is calculated that is based on adequate impact assessment methodology applicable to mobile people’s status.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 15:52:40 +0000