Over 70 global civil society organizations and community-based associations are calling governments, financial institutions, international organizations and private sector actors to support artisanal mining communities in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Around 83 percent of the world's mining workforce relies on artisanal mining for their livelihood, representing roughly 40.5 million people. The call for action highlights increased risks posed to artisanal mining communities, including loss of livelihood, increased risk of contracting COVID-19, disproportionate impacts on women and children, and the potential for non-state armed groups to take control of artisanal mining sites.

This story includes joint statements in English, French, Spanish and Japanese.