Human rights violations in India

More about it, in Swedish here.

Plans by Vedanta Resources to mine bauxite in the Niyamgiri Hills of Orissa threaten the very existence of the Donghria Kondh – an indigenous community that has lived on and around the hills for centuries.

The proposed mine could have grave repercussions for their human rights to water, food, health, work and other rights as an indigenous community in respect of their traditional lands.

Vedanta’s Record

At the foot of the Niyamgiri Hills, in Lanjigarh, Vedanta Resources has already started running an alumina refinery leading to significant air and water pollution. This pollution is threatening the health and well-being of the indigenous community. Although the Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has reported serious concerns about toxic air and water contamination, this information has never been shared with local people. Despite the existing problems and widespread community concerns, there is now an attempt to expand the refinery’s capacity six-fold.

Take Action to Protect Indigenous People in Orissa, India.

Vedanta Resources and its subsidiaries – responsible for the refinery and the proposed mine – have failed to abide by internationally accepted standards in relation to the impact of business on human rights. The Governments of Orissa and India have also failed to protect the human rights of this community.

Read.