ERRC attacks lead poisoning in Kosovo Roma camps
6 September 2005
In 2000, WHO told UNMIK that the Roma living on the IDP camps in North Mitroveca had to be evacuated because the sites were toxic and contaminated with lead from the Trepca mine. No action was taken. In 2004, WHO tested the blood lead levels of the camp residents and again told UNMIK that immediate evacuation was necessary as the situation was a serious health hazard. Still in September 2005, the Roma have not been evacuated.
On 2 September 2005, ERRC filed a complaint with the prosecutor in Pristina asking him to investigate under Article 291(5) of the Provisional Criminal Code of Kosovo to find the perpetrators who were causing serious personal injury to the Roma and to bring criminal charges. If these perpetrators are local officials or internationals who have immunity, immunity must be lifted so proper procedures can be taken.
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Written comments by the ERRC to the European Commission on enlargement component of the EU Roma Framework.
The impact of conflict on minority populations merits special attention, especially if those minorities have long been marginalized, viewed by the warring parties with a mixture of ambivalence and contempt, and deemed to be communities of little consequence in the peace-building processes that follow the conclusion of hostilities. This issue of Roma Rights Journal takes a look at the fate of Roma during and after conflicts.
