UN Expert Calls for Increased Efforts to Address Environmental Racism in South Africa
A United Nations expert has urged South Africa to intensify its efforts in combatting the longstanding issue of “environmental racism” that has persisted in the country since the era of apartheid.
Marcos Orellana, the UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, emphasized the need for enhanced measures and better regulations to tackle this problem, particularly as it impacts marginalized communities.
Plight of Marginalized Communities and Pesticide-Related Deaths
Orellana expressed shock at the unfortunate deaths of children due to inadequate controls on pesticides.
He highlighted that landfill sites and industries with high pollution levels are often situated in poor and migrant communities.
Factors such as unemployment, hazardous chemicals, and structural inequality have contributed to the ongoing challenge of overcoming the historical legacy of “environmental racism.”
Environmental Scar Tinged with Apartheid’s Legacy
South Africa’s landscape is scarred by remnants of abandoned mines, tailing dumps, and acid mine drainage, all of which were established during the apartheid era.
Orellana pointed out that air, water, and chemical pollution disproportionately impact marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities.
Despite the country’s commitment to human rights in its constitution, certain laws dating back to pre-1994 apartheid times continue to impede progress.
Need for Accountability and Remediation
Orellana expressed his deep concern over the tragic deaths of children resulting from the consumption or handling of hazardous pesticides intended for agricultural use, but sold illegally to combat pest infestations.
He stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable, cautioning that failure to do so could erode confidence in democracy.
Challenges in Mining Industry and Environmental Impact
The mining sector, a significant industry in South Africa, has left a legacy of thousands of waste dumps.
Particularly concerning are coal mines, which significantly contribute to air pollution in affected communities due to mercury emissions, ashes, and dust.
Despite the economic significance of coal, accounting for 80 percent of electricity production and employing numerous individuals, the negative environmental consequences cannot be ignored.
Government Response and Challenges Ahead
South Africa’s environmental ministry acknowledged the report, recognizing the difficulties posed by rapid urbanization, industrialization, immigration, and fiscal constraints in addressing environmental concerns.
The UN expert’s assessment sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by South Africa in rectifying the environmental inequalities rooted in its apartheid history.
The call for accountability and enhanced regulations highlights the urgency to address not only the past’s environmental injustices but also the current challenges impacting marginalized communities.
