NHRC urged to block mineral law
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About 50 people from five provinces Wednesday called on the National Human Rights Commission to help block the proposed mineral law.
“We believe this bill will violate people’s rights,” Wanpen Promrangsan said as she met with NHRC member Niran Pitakwatchara.
She led villagers from Phichit, Phitsanulok, Saraburi, Lop Buri and Phetchabun in lodging the petition following the Cabinet’s recent approval of the draft mineral bill, which authorises governors and tambon administrative organisations – not a minister – to approve mining concessions.
Wanpen’s group is worried that it would make it easier for companies to lobby for a mining licence at the expense of the community.
Wanpen said she had detected some suspicious activities lately.
The Nation
