EU Call: Human Rights in the Mining Sector (Bolivia)

Deadline: 19-May-2026

The European Commission invites proposals to strengthen human rights and promote sustainable, inclusive governance in Bolivia’s mining sector. With a budget of up to EUR 1.3 million, the program supports pilot projects and institutional capacity building to protect communities, indigenous rights, and the environment in gold and lithium extraction areas.

Overview

The European Commission is funding initiatives to strengthen protections for communities affected by mining in Bolivia. The program focuses on:

• Ensuring community health and environmental protection
• Enhancing access to justice at national and territorial levels
• Promoting sustainable and rights-based governance in the mining sector

This initiative is aligned with the EU’s Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, emphasizing non-discrimination, equality, and human dignity.

Objectives

Overall Objective: Strengthen the protection of rights for mining-affected communities, ensuring health, environmental quality, and effective justice.

Specific Objectives:

1. Institutionalize access to justice in mining at national and territorial levels.
2. Reduce negative human rights and environmental impacts through pilot projects in:
   • Gold mining
   • Evaporite resources (e.g., lithium) in Potosí

Priority Areas

• Adoption and integration of human rights and environmental due diligence systems
• Strengthening access to justice via complaints and reparation mechanisms
• Enhancing institutional supervision, auditing, and accountability
• Empowering indigenous peoples and civil society in legal and technical participation
• Promoting transparency, accountability, and public access to information
• Establishing community-based monitoring and early warning systems
• Conducting environmental quality analyses and producing community reports
• Protecting human rights defenders and indigenous communities
• Fostering alliances among organizations in environmental, health, and human rights sectors

Funding Details

• Total indicative budget: EUR 1,300,000
• Grant range: EUR 1,200,000 – EUR 1,300,000
• Funding coverage: 60% – 90% of eligible project costs; remainder must be co-financed

Expected Results

• Pilot projects generate evidence and lessons learned to strengthen institutional frameworks
• Ensure long-term sustainability and systemic impact
• Coordinated institutional strengthening and pilot actions for measurable improvements in governance and rights protection

Who is Eligible?

• Non-profit legal entities, including:
  • Civil society organizations (CSOs)
  • Thematic networks in relevant sectors
• Networks without legal status must have a legally recognized member submit the proposal to ensure accountability

How to Apply

1. Define pilot projects aligned with gold or lithium mining contexts in Potosí.
2. Prepare a proposal showing institutional and community impact, rights-based approach, and technical methodologies.
3. Ensure budget and co-financing requirements are met.
4. Submit through the official European Commission portal before the deadline.
5. Highlight capacity for coordination, transparency, and sustainability.

Key Considerations and Tips

• Proposals must demonstrate measurable results for both communities and institutions.
• Include strategies for engaging indigenous peoples and civil society actors.
• Ensure integration of human rights, environmental protection, and governance principles.
• Pilot projects should produce replicable lessons and evidence for systemic improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the total budget for this call?
   Up to EUR 1,300,000, with grants between EUR 1,200,000 and EUR 1,300,000.
2. Which sectors and projects are eligible?
   Human rights and environmental protection in gold and lithium mining, including pilot projects and institutional capacity building.
3. Who can apply?
   Non-profit CSOs and thematic networks; legally recognized members can submit on behalf of unregistered networks.
4. What funding coverage is allowed?
   Between 60% and 90% of eligible costs; other sources must cover the balance.
5. What geographic areas are targeted?
   Pilot projects must focus on gold and lithium extraction areas in Potosí.
6. What types of results are expected?
   Evidence and lessons learned that strengthen institutional frameworks, governance, and rights protection.
7. Are partnerships encouraged?
   Yes, collaboration with local communities, civil society, and institutions is critical for sustainability.

Conclusion

This European Commission call empowers civil society actors to improve human rights protections, environmental standards, and governance in Bolivia’s mining sector. By funding pilot projects and institutional capacity building, it supports sustainable, inclusive, and rights-based approaches that benefit affected communities and indigenous populations.

For more information, visit European Commission (EC).