EVENT: Report from Papua New Guinea and ProtestBarrick Speaking Tour

There is a human rights crisis taking place right now in Papua New Guinea (PNG), in a region affected by the biggest gold mining company in the world: Toronto-based Barrick Gold.

The indigenous Ipili people in Porgera, PNG, are under attack.

Jethro Tulin, of the Porgera-based human rights group Akali Tange Association, traveled to Canada in early May to participate in Barrick's Annual General Meeting to testify to the human rights crisis and environmental degradation caused by Barrick's presence in Laigap-Porgera, PNG.

Report from Jethro Tulin of the Akali Tange Association, Papua New Guinea on human rights abuses by Barrick Gold, and report from journalists Sandra Cuffe and Allan Lissner on the 8th sessions of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the ProtestBarrick Speaking Tour.

Date:	Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Time:	7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location:	OISE, Room 2212, University of Toronto
Street:	252 Bloor West
City/Town:	Toronto, ON
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Jethro Tulin, from Porgera, Papua New Guinea, confronts Barrick Gold

A State of Emergency was declared on March 22, in Papua New Guinea and is still in effect in the region surrounding Barrick’s “Porgera” mine. While Jethro traveled in Canada, the PNG government sent 200 heavily armed soldiers and police into the Porgera area. The State of Emergency was declared in Porgera based on reports presented by Barrick (PNG) Limited, according to Laigap Porgera Member of Parliament Phillip Kikala.

Meanwhile, reports and photos received from Porgera landowners show how PNP troops have burnt down more than 300 homes in villages bordering the mine site. Many of these homes belonged to the indigenous landowners who own a 2.5% stake in the mine and who have been requesting that Barrick Gold resettle the local population due to the destruction and contamination of their traditional lands. Barrick Gold has refused to negotiate resettlement, citing high costs.

For more information:

Indigenous Leaders Confront Barrick Gold I

Indigenous Leaders Confront Barrick Gold II: Official Statements

Jethro Tulin’s Statement at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues