Equitable Resource Governance

At the heart of our work is the goal of protecting the Earth’s vital resources, habitats and human habitations; and promoting decent livelihoods. (Influenced mainly by Goals 11 and 12: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; and ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns). This program fosters participatory governance between all stakeholders to improve the effective governance of complex ecosystems.

Natural Resources and Human Rights is an anchor program under this thematic focus. For extractive host communities, expectations of a better life are too often replaced by an overwhelming sense of injustice. They lose their lands and livelihoods, grapple with pollution affecting their environment and health, see women disproportionately affected, and have little or no say in the processes that determine if and how their resource rich lands will be exploited. Their compounding frustrations are often expressed through violence, contributing to increased insecurity.

Global Rights therefore partners with civil society organizations and extractive host communities to prevent, monitor and document human rights violations and abuses, and to design and implement engagement and advocacy strategies with the government, companies, and other identified stakeholders.