Haiti’s Cité Soleil is liable to changing into a ‘sacrifice zone’ with its inhabitants dealing with excessive environmental injustices and an acute waste downside that threatens their well being and security, UN human rights consultants* stated at present.
“Inhabitants of Cité Soleil are uncovered to poisonous waters and fumes which can be the results of dumping and burning poisonous waste, and the shortage of upkeep of drainage canals overflowing with waste,” stated Marcos Orellana, UN Particular Rapporteur on toxics and human rights and Pedro Arrojo-agudo, UN Particular Rapporteur on the human rights to secure consuming water and sanitation. “Authorities should urgently gather, take away or dispose all waste to ensure the essential rights of residents in Cité Soleil,” they stated.
Cité Soleil is an impoverished commune within the outskirts of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince and residential to just about 400,000 individuals. An open canal serves because the commune’s sewage system and waste dumps develop into mountains over three metres excessive close to residential areas the place youngsters play and go to highschool.
The consultants stated they have been alarmed by the plight of youngsters residing in Cité Soleil.
“They endure from persistent and generally deadly illnesses which can be preventable and are purportedly brought on by publicity to poisonous fumes, waters and waste,” they stated.
The consultants stated waste accumulates in open canals that run by means of the commune, generally flooding the streets and folks’s properties. “Or this waste is thrown into open dumps the place it’s left uncovered, unmanaged, and uncontrolled,” they stated. To keep away from additional accumulation of trash and sewage, residents burn the waste, producing a continuing haze of poisonous smoke all through the commune and spreading heavy metals, producing dioxins and different persistent natural pollution within the ambiance.
“The shortage of sound administration of waste in Cité Soleil violates the rights to life, well being, meals, water and sanitation and a clear, wholesome and sustainable surroundings,” the consultants stated.
The Particular Rapporteurs have been in touch with the Haitian authorities concerning the problem however have obtained no response.