Overview of the ICGLR Regional Initiative on Natural Resources

at

ICGLR-OECD-UN GoE Joint Forum

Paris, 26th – 28th May 2014

Ambassador Ambeyi Ligabo,Programme Officer, Democracy and Good

Governanceat International Conference on the Great

Lakes Region

Legal framework of the RINRThe ICGLR is a result of many consultations between

States of the Africa’s Great Lakes Region, the UN and the AU;

Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region signed on 15th December 2006;

Protocol on the Fight against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources which an integral part of the Pact;

Declaration of the Lusaka Special Summit of ICGLR Heads of State and Government on the Regional Initiative to fight against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources in the Great Lakes Region. (15 December 2010);

ICGLR objectives with regard to the RINR

• To promote and strengthen, in each Member State, the development of effective mechanisms to prevent, curb and eradicate the illegal exploitation of natural resources;

• To intensify and revitalize cooperation among Member State with a view to achieving more efficient and sustainable measures against the illegal exploitation of natural resources;

• To promote the harmonization by Member States of their national legislations, policies and procedures against the illegal exploitation of natural resources.

The Regional Initiative on Natural Resources

RINR falls under the Programme on Democracy and Good Governance, one of the 5 Programmes at ICGLR;

RINR is comprised of 6 tools:1. Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM)

Mine Site Inspections and Certification Chain of Custody Tracking Export and Certification Procedures Audit systems (Third Party Audits, Independent Mineral Chain Audits)

2. Harmonisation of National Legislations3. Regional Database on Mineral Flows4. Formalisation of the Artisanal Mining Sector5. EITI Peer-Learning Mechanism6. Whistle-blowing Mechanism

Thank you