Conectas mission in Minas Gerais assesses emergency measures taken by Vale

The objective of the mission is to identify possible violations of the rights of victims’ families and people affected by the collapse of the Brumadinho dam

The Conectas Mission is in Brumadinho (MG) monitoring emergency action by the authorities and Vale, subsequent to the collapse of the tailing dam

A mission of experts from Conectas arrived in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais), on Tuesday 29 January, to assess how the authorities and Vale are working on the emergency response to victims, families and those affected by the collapse of the company’s tailing dam, last Friday, 25 January. According to information from the Fire Service, until now 84 deaths have been confirmed and 276 people remain unfound.

According to Caio Borges, Coordinator of the Conectas programme on Development and Socioenvironmental Rights, the objective of the mission is to identify possible rights violations in this post-disaster period.

“At this time, Vale must be absolutely transparent about what concrete actions are being taken to identify and rescue victims, to provide assistance to families and those affected, as well as providing information about the composition of the spilled waste and the procedures being adopted to contain the advance of the mud and avoid greater environmental impact.” Borges said.

Since, 2015, Conectas has been following remediation procedures for victims and those affected by the collapse of the Samarco dam in Mariana (Minas Gerais). In 2017, the organisation put together a report criticising the model of governance adopted in this process, which entailed limited participation of the people who had been affected.

 

• Read here the full report.
• “The Rio Doce disaster was three years ago and no significant progress has been made”

“It is clear that the Rio Doce tragedy, one of the largest environmental disasters ever, was not enough for Vale to adopt efficient measures for mitigation of risks, maintenance of dams and a contingency plan. We cannot now allow the reparation process for those affected to follow the same model, controlled by the company and involving limited participation of the people who have been affected. it is essential that the community is informed and consulted on each decision” He added.

The Conectas team will also collect statements by families of the victims and people affected. This material will serve as a resource in developing recommendations to authorities and reports submitted to international bodies.