We live in an age where big mining firms are able to act with impunity across the developing world. Barely a month passes without new allegations levelled at rich multi-national firms, exploiting the people and the environments of countries in desperate need of foreign funds. However the latest round of accusations, included in a new report from...Human Rights Watch...take the "rape of the third world" scenario to a new and disturbing level. The report...accuses private security guards of the systemic pack rape of vulnerable women, as well as other violent abuses..."When we shared our investigation with Barrick, they did their own investigation and they found additional cases...these abuses are happening in an isolated area where security guards can basically act with impunity["]...Elaine Pearson [from Human Rights Watch] said..."In the past, when other organisations have raised these [types of] issues with Barrick the response has been quite hostile and dismissive," [she] said. "We've encountered a more positive response [from Barrick Gold]; they've engaged with us on a number of the issues and promised to ensure that the recommendations are followed through to ensure that the security forces are held accountable, but I think they shouldn't have actually waited until Human Rights Watch came to them alleging these human rights abuses," she said. Both investigations, by Barrick and by Human Rights Watch, have resulted in the arrests. So far, three men have been charged with rape and other assaults.