The National Human Rights Council opened applications on Thursday, November 5, in Abidjan for the tenth edition of its National Prize, dedicated this year to the effects of illegal gold mining on fundamental rights. Applications can be submitted until midnight on November 20.
The competition recognizes initiatives led by civil society organizations, individuals, youth, media professionals, and academics. The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 11 at the Prime Minister’s auditorium in Abidjan.
The first prize winner will receive 3 million FCFA, a gold medal, a trophy, and a certificate of excellence. The second and third prizes are endowed with 2 million and 1 million FCFA respectively, along with silver and bronze medals.
The president of the CNDH, Adjélou Christian Arnaud, stated that the choice of theme was intended to draw attention to the environmental, health, economic, and social consequences of illegal gold mining. He specifically mentioned the contamination of waterways with mercury and cyanide, the destruction of agricultural land, forced labor of miners, and tensions between communities.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of nine experts from the Prime Minister’s Office, several ministries, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), and the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire. The evaluation will focus on the impact of the proposed initiatives against violations of rights related to the illegal exploitation of gold.
The launch comes after the strengthening, in September, of the State’s response against illegal gold mining. The National Security Council then announced an increase in the operational capacities of local forces and the creation of 21 river security platoons to monitor the country’s four major rivers and their tributaries.
International Human Rights Day will be celebrated on December 10 in Dimbokro, before the awards ceremony the following day in Abidjan.
