Case: La Oroya

Lead contamination and smelting metals

In La Oroya, Peru is experiencing a situation of pollution that is affecting the lives of every one of its inhabitants, especially the health of children, which is even recognized by the state. Moreover, in the context of this situation, there is a social conflict based on the tension between the right to work and the right to health, rights which should be complementary, not mutually exclusive. Because of tension generated, victims and others who have been working and expressing its intention to protect the right to health in La Oroya, is facing an unacceptable situation of harassment.

In November 2005, Earthjustice and the Center for Human Rights and Environment (CEDHA), representing a group of citizens from La Oroya asked the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to take immediate action to protect the right to life and health of the residents of La Oroya. Subsequently have joined the petition AIDA and a Peruvian attorney, but this measure has been endorsed by numerous organizations of Peru.

All the issues that are involved in this type of conflict clearly affect the human rights of each of the inhabitants of La Oroya. (Know more)

La Oroya, the city