Special rapporteurs of the United Nations (UN) asked Serbia and the company Serbia Ziđin koper to address allegations of high levels of pollution stemming from mining activities in the region Explore.
Reporters UN pointed out that they are very worried about the information about the high level of pollution in the Bor region.
The region has been described as a "victim zone", that is, an area that is extremely contaminated and where vulnerable groups bear a disproportionately large burden of pollution. environment, the Renewable Energy and Environment Regulatory Institute (RERI) announced.
It was pointed out that there is concern about the information about pollution environment, the presence of heavy metals and other dangerous substances in water, air and soil, but also excessive noise, which can have consequences for the health of the population.
In the letter, the problems associated with negative impacts on agriculture, expropriation and displacement of communities, and the lack of appropriate response from state institutions were emphasized.
Two months without a response
The UN rapporteurs sent the letter to Serbia and the Srbija Ziđin koper company on August 8, with a deadline of 60 days to respond to the letters. However, by October 7, that is, by the deadline, their answer did not arrive.
Previously, the inhabitants of the villages of Krivelj and Slatina in the vicinity of Bor, together with the Association of Young Researchers Bor and the organizations RERI and FIAN International, sent a letter to the UN special rapporteur for toxic pollution and human rights.
They expressed their concern about serious environmental pollution and threats to human rights as a result of mining activities in the vicinity of Bor.
Milan Ćosić, a resident of the village of Krivelj, emphasized that "themstate did not protect" and added that the locals are not asking for any privileges, but "the right to a normal and dignified life, like all other citizens".
Protection of the Vlach national minority
The UN special rapporteurs called on Serbia to provide information on whether social and environmental impact assessments related to the work of the companies Ziđin Koper and Ziđin Mining have been carried out, as well as to publish their findings.
They also requested information on measures taken to prevent and remedy impacts on human rights, including displacement, access to resources and exposure to hazardous materials, as well as details on remedies available to affected communities and steps taken to protect the Vlach national minority.
The rapporteurs emphasized that an "approach based on respect for human rights, which implies strong preventive measures and effective accountability mechanisms, while ensuring adequate compensation" is necessary.
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