Development aggression and human rights violations are sharply illustrated in communities suffering from the harsh consequences of large-scale mining projects. The institution is building the capability of indigenous communities, NGOs, church workers and local government officials to monitor and document human rights violations in mining communities.

Spearheading the monitoring and documentation of the violations on the people’s rights to land, PhilRights is helping the grassroots campaign against the large-scale mining operations in Nueva Viscaya and Oriental Mindoro. Mining in these areas, as conducted by giant companies, has already compromised the environmental sustainability and agricultural life of the people.

PhilRights’ role in this campaign includes: (1) Human rights education through forums, film showing, and dissemination of IEC materials to all the members of the selected communities, including the local officials; (2) Situational analysis and review of literature on HR monitoring and documentation; and (3) Institutional strengthening through training seminars and exposure trips.