Oct 07, 2013

UNPO General Secretary Speaks On "Raw Materials: A Raw Deal"


Marino Busdachin, UNPO General Secretary participated as a panelist at the Socialist and Democrats Group's conference "Raw Materials: a raw deal for developing countries?" held on 3 October 2013 at the European Parliament.

On 3 October 2013, the Socialist and Democrats Group at the European Parliament held an important two-day event on raw materials and their importance for developing and developed countries. Marino Busdachin, UNPO General Secretary, was invited to participate in Thursday's panel entitled "Raw Materials: blessing or curse?".

Alongside two other experts, Mr. Busdachin delivered a poignant argument in support of existing legislation (in particular ILO 169), arguing the necessity for all states to sign and ratify the conventions and apply them accordingly. As several UNPO members (the Ogoni, Cordillera, the Mapuche, Southern Cameroons, amongst others) are deeply affected by projects regarding raw materials exploitation, Mr. Busdachin's speech stressed the necessity for indigenous groups and minorities to be particularly taken into account when considering projects for mining, oil drilling, dams, and others. Also of importance during the debate with the other panelists was the concept of free, prior and informed consent.

The conference was hosted by several Members of the European Parliament, and provided an interactive platform for members in the audience to give statements on their own experience, as well as ask relevant questions to the experts on the panel. Attendance ranged from Embassy officials to civil society representatives.

For more information on the event, please visit the event page.

For the conference's programme, click here.

For Mr. Busdachin's full speech, click here.