Poorly-regulated mining and coal-fired power generation in South Africa are responsible for air and water pollution, destruction of arable land, and biodiversity loss, violating the human rights of hundreds of communities, including their rights to life, health, water, food, culture and a healthy environment...We urge the Human Rights Council to recommend that South Africa take immediate  steps to protect the rights of mining-affected communities, including by: prohibiting  mining in areas and ways in which it would violate human rights or cause substantial harm  to the environment on which communities depend; guaranteeing access to information and meaningful public participation in decision-making concerning mining approvals and regulation; effectively enforcing environmental laws relevant to mining, and providing an effective process to challenge proposed mines; requiring coal-fired power plants to comply with domestic emissions standards; and protecting advocates for community and environmental protection from harassment and violence.