The government's reports and fines have not yet been sufficient to stop communities suffering from poisoned rivers.
Last May in Grand
Preliminary analysis by
Nonetheless, this is the not the first time the gold-mining corporation has been accused of polluting in the area. In
Similarly, in 2017, MNG-Gold, another subsidiary of
Avesoro is also not the only mining company accused of pollution in
Lenient
Whenever rivers in
Pregnant women are more vulnerable to serious health problems from ingesting contaminated food or water. Women and girls need to clean water to maintain healthy levels of hygiene during menstruation. And with an estimated 72% of household water collected by women and 14% by children worldwide, it is these groups that are most exposed to robbery and rape when water needs to be collected from far away. Women and girls also tend to be expected to fulfill household duties that require water, such as cooking and watering crops. Their inability to do so raises the risk of domestic violence. Pollution also negatively affects people's livelihoods, especially when it comes to fishing and farming. Women's reduced income coupled with food insecurity makes them more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse.
In response to allegations of companies polluting rivers, the Liberian government has conducted assessments, sometimes imposed fines, and re-affirmed its commitment to ensuring a clean and safe environment. However, its fines have always been lenient and insufficient to lead multi-million-dollar firms to significantly rethink their practices.
A more effective approach would be to review the rules and regulations for granting operational licenses to multinational corporations with strict thresholds on environment protections. The government ought to introduce clear and enforceable provisions that require companies to uphold basic rights, with specific acknowledgement of the unique burden on women and children. Non-compliance must result in the revocation of those licenses.
When it is clear that a mining company has violated its contract and caused suffering on local communities, the Liberian government must assert its sovereignty and hold multinationals accountable.
*names changed
Margaret Nigba is founder and executive director of Her Voice Liberia, a Counsel at Law, and an Aspen New Voices Fellow.
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