Human Rights Violations: Addressing the human rights risks posed by deep-sea mining

Myth: “Deep-Sea Mining is safeguarding coastal communities as the mining occurs too far offshore to impact anyone”.
The deep-sea mining industry has used this argument time and again: Unlike land-based mining, which pollutes waterways and threatens local communities' health, they claim deep-sea mining is a win-win for nature and people.
In 2024, the UN Working Group and Special Rapporteur on Human Rights published an open letter to the International Seabed Authority. The letter implores states and businesses to remember their human rights obligations. Concerns are raised around the significant backlash from stakeholders and indigenous communities on the impact DSM will have on:

• Food availability 
• Cultural rights
• Indigenous people’s rights
• Access to a healthy environment for all

Currently the ISA does not make any mention of human rights which is completely unacceptable!
Decisions are being made behind closed doors by people who are not representative of the international community or stakeholders. The ISA’s lack of transparency or public consultations has meant that coastal communities' voices are being silenced in the name of profits.
We do not yet know if humans will collectively lose more than they could gain if the ISA allows deep-sea mining to go ahead. However, there is hope! We can follow the lead of inspirational coastal communities who have said NO to deep sea mining. We have a unique opportunity to protect coastal communities. Sign the petition today and help to push for a moratorium on deep-sea mining!