Toespraak van minister Ploumen tijdens bilaterale conferentie tussen Nederland en Colombia

Toespraak | 06-05-2015

Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome! Today we’re going to talk about the future, about the ambitions our two countries have in the mining sector. I'd like to outline the steps I believe will bring that future closer. At the same time, I realise that future will never fully become reality if we don't sort out the past.

As you know, Colombia’s past is an extremely violent one. The conflict that ravaged the country for half a century has left millions of victims in its wake − a conflict that engulfed large parts of Colombia in so many ways: land grabbing, displacement, exploitation and crime, including drug trafficking and trading. In fact, violence is still commonplace in some areas.

The problems in the mining industry – in regions like Cesar and La Guajira – were only part of the lawlessness that was endemic back then. But it is in this sector and in these regions that the Netherlands feels involved and wants to show its commitment. Not only because we care, but also because we buy some of our coal from there. And Colombian coal also reaches other European countries via our ports.

Right now, Colombia is closer to peace than ever before. I have great hope that the government and FARC will soon reach an agreement. And then it’s time to look to the future with hope and confidence.

I believe that companies can play an important role in rebuilding and developing the country. Employment and prosperity are major pillars of stability. But doing business in a post-conflict country brings with it extra responsibilities.

Mining in the Cesar region offers excellent economic opportunities, but it has to be done in a socially responsible way. With decent pay and labour rights and a safe workplace, all protected by strong trade unions. The sector must ensure that mining takes place with a strong focus on the environment and on the interests of all stakeholders. Including those who live in the region.

So European energy companies – and that means Dutch companies too – must keep a close eye on all this when buying their coal. Colombia’s mining sector could be an example to the rest of Latin America, to Africa and to Asia, where things are often a lot worse − whether we’re talking about mining for coal, gold or nickel.

Every day, steps are being taken towards socially responsible mining. Colombia endorses the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and wants to become a member of the OECD, whose guidelines it already supports. And the country’s mining companies are paying more and more attention to corporate social responsibility, even if at varying speeds and with varying levels of commitment.

Vice-Minister of Mines María Isabel Ulloa Cruz and I have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The government in Bogotá is going to actively promote the application of CSR standards. That means greater support for initiatives like Better Coal, and regular reporting on transparency, sustainability and business, and human rights. It’s a field in which the Netherlands and Colombia want to work together as allies and partners.

Collaboration between governments is necessary, but not enough. There has to be support for these ambitions. Mining companies, workers and all other stakeholders − like unions, civil society organisations and those living near mines − have to make a contribution for it to become reality. But abuses from the past and distrust in the present are standing in the way.

The roots of this hostility lie in the past. Like many other Colombians, the communities in Cesar and La Guajira suffered greatly during the atrocities of 1996 to 2006. Entire families lost their land, their dignity and even their lives. The role of mining companies during that time is still the subject of debate. But when people are unable to come to terms with the past, it’s difficult for them to see the promise that the future holds.

It will help if the mining companies that were operating back then commit to self-reflection and carry out thorough investigations. And engage with the victims and take their grievances seriously. It will help if others, including European energy companies, actively encourage this. Where possible I want them to point out to their business partners the benefits of the road to reconciliation. And to warn them of the dangers of the road to hardened attitudes.

The Colombian government has already taken many steps in the right direction. The Ley de Víctimas, the law that guarantees the rights of the victims of the armed conflict, is a good start. But in some regions law still means very little. To date, not even five per cent of the victims have received reparation. And in a troubled area like Cesar, where former paramilitaries still play a key role, the process isn’t getting off the ground at all. Better enforcement of this law would be a first step towards repairing ties.

Because repairing ties is essential. The future is in our power to shape. In the power of the people in this room. People need to make amends, reposition themselves mentally, develop understanding and sometimes forgive and make peace – steps that make a new beginning possible. I hope this conference will bring that new beginning a little closer.

Thank you.