Resources, conflicts and the role of the media

Natural resources, such as oil, gas, timber and minerals, have played an important role in armed conflict in about a dozen wars and armed conflicts over the past years. Natural resource deposits alone do not however necessarily result in a 'resource curse'. Whether or not there is such a resource curse seems to depend, in particular, on to what degree the wealth created by the revenues from the exploitation of natural resources is distributed justly and democratically.

The fight against the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the trade of conflict goods is therefore of great importance when it comes to preventing conflicts and creating sustainable development. A decisive factor of whether wealth from natural resources turns into a curse or not is the degree to which good governance, democratisation, transparency and the rule of law are fostered and human rights are respected. BICC pursues this thesis against the background of its applied research of many years. To raise awareness with the public about ‘tainted' products and business activities should also lie at the responsibility of the media.

Poor, rich continent continent? Conflict resources in Africa. How can campaigns affect resource justice?

Workshop hosted by: Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC)

Panel:
Ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat, International Resources Group Coordinating Office Nairobi

Melkamu Adisu, Country Director German Foundation For World Population, Ethiopia

Kwesi Aning, Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Center, Head of Department

Hans Dembowski, Chief Editor Development + Cooperation

Wolf Christian Paes, BICC and Fatal Transactions, Germany

Jolien Schure, Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC)

Martin Zint, Journalist / AG Erdöl

Impressions