Two years after its establishment, the Working Group finally held its inaugural meeting in November 2011; following several delays due to unforeseen circumstances. This meeting brought together the new appointed Chairperson, Commissioner Pacifique Manirakiza, new appointed member Commissioner Zainabo Sylvie Kayitesi, Vice Chairperson of the African Commission, and Expert Members. At this meeting, Expert Members had the opportunity to give presentations on various topics related to human rights violations and the extractive industry, which was followed by an interactive debate between the members. The overall goal of this exercise was to provide information to the group members, to ensure that they have a common understanding of the concepts, the impact of extractive industry on human and peoples’ rights and the challenges they will be facing in discharging their mandate.
At the end of the Meeting, the Working Group adopted a draft Work Plan for the period 2012-2013, which was subsequently amended and adopted.
