Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canadian Mining Company Nevsun Says Allegations Of Human Rights Abuses Unfounded

The Canadian Press , 21 Nov, 2014 11:20 AM
  • Canadian Mining Company Nevsun Says Allegations Of Human Rights Abuses Unfounded
VANCOUVER — A Vancouver-based mining company says allegations of human rights violations at the Bisha open pit mine in northeastern Africa are unfounded and it will defend itself from a civil suit filed this week in B.C. Supreme Court.
 
Nevsun Resources Ltd. (TSX:NSU) says it will "vigorously" defend itself from the civil suit filed Thursday by a lawyer representing three former employees. 
 
The suit alleges forced labour and other crimes against humanity were perpetrated by the company and its local sub-contractor in the Bisha Mine in the East African country of Eritrea.
 
The three former employees, who are not in Canada at this time, allege in a statement of claim they worked under threat of "physical punishment, torture and imprisonment."
 
A statement of claim contains allegations not proven in court.
 
Nevsun's chief executive, Cliff Davis, said that audits by the company and third parties indicate the mine has always met international standards for workplace conditions, health and safety.
 
"We are confident that the allegations are unfounded," he said in a release issued Friday.
 
"We are committed to ensuring that the Bisha Mine is managed in a safe and responsible manner that respects the interests of the local communities, workers, national governance, stakeholders, and the natural environment."
 
The release adds that Nevsun strives to ensure its presence in Eritrea has "positive social and economic impact," and notes it has created "meaningful employment" for thousands of local people.
 
Nevsun has a 60 per cent ownership stake in the copper and gold mining operation.
 
One of the lawyers for Gize Araya, Kesete Fshazion and Mihretab Tekle said the plaintiffs filed the suit in British Columbia because it's the only place they believe they have a chance of getting access to justice.
 
The legal action alleges a host of mistreatment, including tying up workers before leaving them in the baking sun and beating people with sticks while ordering them to roll in the hot sand as forms of discipline.
 
The court document contends Nevsun entered into a commercial relationship with a repressive, one-party state even while it must have been aware of credible published reports of abuses in the country.
 
"During the period of forced labour at Bisha, the plaintiffs were subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment as well as harsh working conditions including long hours, malnutrition and forced confinement for little pay," said the document.
 
"They worked under the constant threat of physical punishment, torture and imprisonment."
 
Forced labour, slavery, torture, cruel or degrading treatment and crimes against humanity are prohibited under international law, and such provisions are also incorporated into Canadian law.

MORE National ARTICLES

RCMP Begin Arrests On Burnaby Mountain To Dismantle Pipeline Protests

RCMP Begin Arrests On Burnaby Mountain To Dismantle Pipeline Protests
BURNABY, B.C. — A small group of protesters has linked arms and is chanting "Stop Kinder Morgan" as Mounties move in to end the months-long demonstration against the pipeline expansion.

RCMP Begin Arrests On Burnaby Mountain To Dismantle Pipeline Protests

Undercover Cops Had To Use Degrading Language During BC Investigation: Mountie

Undercover Cops Had To Use Degrading Language During BC Investigation: Mountie
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — When police launched an undercover investigation of a man suspected of bludgeoning his girlfriend to death with a hammer, officers were advised to use language that degraded women, a jury has heard.

Undercover Cops Had To Use Degrading Language During BC Investigation: Mountie

Over $1.1 billion in unspent funds at Veterans Affairs since 2006: documents

Over $1.1 billion in unspent funds at Veterans Affairs since 2006: documents
OTTAWA — Veterans Affairs Canada has returned $1.13 billion to the federal treasury in unspent funds since the Conservatives came to power in 2006 — cash that critics say should have gone towards improved benefits and services.

Over $1.1 billion in unspent funds at Veterans Affairs since 2006: documents

Christy Clark Calls BC's NDP Irrelevant, Without Identity, Better Off Green

Christy Clark Calls BC's NDP Irrelevant, Without Identity, Better Off Green
VICTORIA — Premier Christy Clark has attacked the Opposition New Democrats as irrelevant and without principles during a question period where she offered her support for the one-member Green Party.

Christy Clark Calls BC's NDP Irrelevant, Without Identity, Better Off Green

Today on the Hill: Mayors, councillors wrap annual lobbying effort

Today on the Hill: Mayors, councillors wrap annual lobbying effort
OTTAWA — Municipal leaders wind up their annual advocacy trip to Parliament Hill today, after three days of lobbying their federal counterparts.

Today on the Hill: Mayors, councillors wrap annual lobbying effort

Ontario Passes Bill To Cut Auto Insurance Premiums An Average Of 15 Per Cent

Ontario Passes Bill To Cut Auto Insurance Premiums An Average Of 15 Per Cent
TORONTO - The Ontario legislature has passed a bill aimed at reducing car insurance premiums an average of 15 per cent by next August.

Ontario Passes Bill To Cut Auto Insurance Premiums An Average Of 15 Per Cent