{"id":15889,"date":"2019-02-08T13:28:47","date_gmt":"2019-02-08T13:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/?post_type=noticia&#038;p=15889"},"modified":"2019-02-14T17:50:09","modified_gmt":"2019-02-14T17:50:09","slug":"brumadinho-recommendations-to-public-power-and-vale","status":"publish","type":"noticia","link":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/noticias\/brumadinho-recommendations-to-public-power-and-vale\/","title":"Brumadinho: recommendations to public power and Vale","content":"<div class=\"tts_content_wrapper_1\" ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three days after the collapse of the C\u00f3rrego de Feij\u00e3o Dam, in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais), a delegation from Conectas was on site to provide support, offer solidarity to victims\u2019 families and to closely monitor the emergency actions and assistance of Vale and public authorities to the people affected.\u00a0See below the video including a report of the mission and recommendations to government bodies, the legal system and to Vale:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/F9_KmMbTUf0\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><br \/>\n<b>Report and Recommendations<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mission to Brumadinho, Minas Gerais<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From 28 to 31 January 2019, a delegation from Conectas was <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in loco\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">verifying emergency actions following the collapse of the C\u00f3rrego do Feij\u00e3o mining dam, owned by Vale, in the municipality of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The team went to Belo Horizonte and Brumadinho and visited: the control centre set up for operations to retrieve the dead (Faculdade ASA in Brumadinho); the main centre for assisting victims, at the Vale Esta\u00e7\u00e3o de Conhecimento and the C\u00f3rrego de Feij\u00e3o and Parque da Cachoeira communities. Conectas also met with the Task Force and Public Prosecutors and Public Defenders and participated in a public hearing with the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), in the C\u00f3rrego de Feij\u00e3o community. The team collected statements from community representatives at the assistance centres for people affected and inspected areas destroyed by the mud containing waste material, close to the River Paraopeba.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The principal objective of the mission was to identify possible rights violations in the initial phase following the disaster. Based on monitoring of the violations caused by the Rio Doce disaster carried out by Conectas, it is known that the immediate emergency measures adopted by public authorities and the company responsible are crucial in minimising the possibility of environmental damage and rights violations, being worse or becoming irreversible, given that many negative effects can become permanent. This initial phase is also critical in gathering proof that will inform procedures when holding those responsible accountable at civil, penal and administrative levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on information collected and analysis of documents seen, Conectas ascertained a number of demands from the communities. These are outlined below and refer to human rights that must be guaranteed for those affected:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>The right to information on the search and identification:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0People affected reported difficulty in obtaining information on the search for missing people and on the identification of bodies that had been found. In the first instance, lists with the number and identity of the dead and missing people were provided to the press by Vale, and not directly to family members. In addition, people said the lists were only updated once a day. The delay in obtaining information caused an acute state of anguish and trepidation on the part of the families of the dead and missing people. Finally, many of the people affected reported that Vale was adopting discriminatory practices in their treatment of families of dead and missing people who were not employed by the company. People related that information on the location and identity of Vale workers was provided much quicker and more accurately than in the case of other people. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Vale and public authorities must act\u00a0efficiently in searches and in identifying dead and missing people, providing information without discrimination to all the families and updating lists more frequently.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>The right to water, right to access to information on toxicity in waste materials:\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals and families affected by the disaster are not sure whether they should go back to their everyday lives, as there is no information on toxicity levels in the areas where they live and work. The state of Minas Gerais issued a warning about contamination of the River Paraopeba. People were warned to refrain from using the water from the river for any purpose, including hydration and irrigation of cattle. Experience from the River Doce disaster shows that land and water remain toxic even after the mud has been removed. Therefore, the community is legitimately concerned about which areas are safe to plant, fish, collect water, bathe and live in normally. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Until reliable reports are produced, testifying to the quality of drinking water, Vale should provide water that is suitable for human and animal consumption and for domestic use, in sufficient quantities to cover the needs of all the communities affected. Conclusive, independent studies are also needed regarding the toxicity of the waste and its possible effects on human health.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>The right to health:\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact with potentially toxic waste and the consumption of water that is unfit has a direct impact on the physical health of the people affected by the disaster. In addition, the people affected are living with uncertainty over the toxicity of the mud, the quality of the water and the identity of bodies being recovered, as well as the risk of collapse of Dam IV of the C\u00f3rrego do Feij\u00e3o mine, all of which is directly impacting on their mental health. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Vale should provide expert medical assistance to the communities affected with a view to identifying and treating the consequences of contact with the waste on their physical health. Psychological and social support should also be made available to those affected. This service, although costly for Vale, should be provided with guarantees concerning independence from supervision by the company and with suitable protection of individuals\u2019 privacy, ensuring that all users feel safe and do not fear any conflict of interest. Finally, Vale\u2019s actions do not exempt public power at the federal, state and municipal levels from developing specific public policies for the protection and promotion of the physical and mental health of those affected by the disaster.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>The right to food:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0The toxic mud has impeded people\u2019s access to food supplies, as well as to kitchens and other places for food preparation. Many people also lost their livelihoods, as the mud contaminated the earth and the river. Immediately after the disaster, Vale provided the population with lunches and dinners. However, adequate nutrition also requires at least the provision of breakfast. The population also requested the provision of a community kitchen so those affected do not have to depend indefinitely on pre-packed food. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Vale should provide balanced meals, in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of all the people affected. As requested by those affected, the company should also set up community areas for the preparation and consumption of meals. In the medium term, the company should reinstate means of subsistence for the people affected, so they can go back to their daily lives.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>The right to work and to a dignified income:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Many of those affected were small rural producers whose plantations were destroyed by the contaminated mud. Others were employees at commercial establishments that were also destroyed and, therefore, they have been left with no income following the collapse of the dam. Vale is currently only offering financial help to those who were left homeless, either because the houses they lived in were destroyed or because their homes are in risk areas. There are, therefore, many people who cannot cover their daily living costs, having lost their source of income.<\/span><b> Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0All those whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the disaster should receive compensation. This includes not only agriculturalists and people directly employed by Vale, but also people who were indirectly affected by the suspension of mining activities and contamination of the area. As well as compensation, there should be emergency assistance for those who were more severely affected.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Reinstatement of electricity, water and sanitation services:\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mud destroyed the infrastructure that provided access to basic public services like electricity, water and sanitation. There is an urgent need to restore damaged equipment, including within homes and on farms. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Vale and public power must act with the utmost urgency to fully restore all essential public services, ensuring access to electricity, water and sanitation by the communities affected.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Security and the right to property:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0The forced displacement of people has meant their homes have been left unattended. There have been reports of burglary. Vulnerable individuals are also susceptible to muggings and other types of violence. The community is calling for the government to establish a police station in the area and to adopt general measures of public security. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0State authorities should guarantee policing in affected areas and develop public security policies aimed at preventing theft and burglary.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>The right to meaningful consultation and participation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0None of the people affected are working in the organs that are monitoring and developing emergency measures, such as the Ministerial Supervisory Committee on Disaster Response, created by the federal government by means of statute no. 9.691\/2019 with the aim of monitoring activities developed in response to disasters. Until now, decisions regarding the defence of the rights of the people affected have not been taken based on an efficient process of informed participation. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 Vale and public authorities should ensure the participation of affected communities in all decision making processes regarding emergency measures, compensation and recuperation. Participation should be through representatives, as long as they are legitimately chosen by the community and report back to those affected. All decisions that influence the sphere of the rights of the people affected should involve their full and informed participation. The company and public power should also engage in wide-ranging dialogue with civil society organisations and social movements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>The right to suitable housing:\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">135 people were made homeless, either because the houses they were living in were destroyed or because their homes are in high risk areas. Currently people who have been made homeless are sent to hotels and houses rented by Vale, which are shared with other people affected by the disaster. These are, then, temporary shelters and not based on people\u2019s free choice. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 Vale should offer people affected by the disaster choices of emergency shelter and long term housing that are in line with international standards on the right to suitable housing. People affected should be at the centre of decision making on housing and should have the power to decide where they will live.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>The right to come and go:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Waste material has obstructed roads that used to connect the C\u00f3rrego do Feij\u00e3o community to the centre of Brumadinho. This trip would usually only take about 20 minutes before the collapse. Now it takes members of the community almost two hours by car to get to the centre of the town to work or to access basic services, like supermarkets and hospitals, as well as to get to the main assistance centre. Members of the community are asking for Vale to authorise access to a private road that crosses the mines. This would reduce the trip to only 15 minutes. Vale is refusing to do so, on the basis that free access is unsafe. This is not a reason to totally prevent access. Vale could provide cars to escort drivers along the road or they could provide a bus. <\/span><b>Recommendation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 Vale and public power should ensure the right of the people affected to come and go freely. As an emergency measure they should allow people affected by the obstructed road to cross Vale property. Later, access roads destroyed by the waste material should be rebuilt. Communities should have access to information on the expected period for waste material to be removed and should be involved in taking decisions on priorities, timeframes and removal methods. The company should adopt all the necessary precautions so that movement of heavy machinery does not destabilise the structure of buildings located in affected areas. They should dump waste that is removed in a suitable, remote location.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"tts__custom-position_bottom_fixed\" ><\/div>","excerpt":"<p>Three days after the collapse of the C\u00f3rrego de Feij\u00e3o Dam, in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais), a delegation from Conectas was on site to provide support&#8230;<\/p>\n","author":2,"featured_media":26891,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"tema":[12279],"class_list":["post-15889","noticia","type-noticia","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tema-socioenvironmental-rights"],"acf":{"author":false},"yoast":{"focuskw":"","title":"","metadesc":"","linkdex":"","metakeywords":"","meta-robots-noindex":"","meta-robots-nofollow":"","meta-robots-adv":"","canonical":"","redirect":"","opengraph-title":"","opengraph-description":"","opengraph-image":"","twitter-title":"","twitter-description":"","twitter-image":""},"featured_image":{"original":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41.jpeg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41-150x150.jpeg","medium":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41-300x225.jpeg","medium_large":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41-768x576.jpeg","large":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41-1024x768.jpeg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41.jpeg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41.jpeg","post_slider_img":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41.jpeg","storyform_xlarge":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41.jpeg","storyform_xxlarge":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41.jpeg","storyform_xxxlarge":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41.jpeg","noticia":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2019-02-06-at-18.40.41.jpeg"},"terms":{"acoes_categorias":[],"acoes_tags":[],"category":[{"term_id":7,"name":"News","slug":"news","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":7,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":1550,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","permalink":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/category\/news\/","relative_link":"category\/news\/","langs":{"en":"news","br":"noticia-conectas"}}],"post_tag":[]},"author_name":"Leonardo Medeiros","author_nicename":"leonardo-medeiros","protected":false,"langs":{"en":"brumadinho-recommendations-to-public-power-and-vale","br":"brumadinho-recomendacoes-ao-poder-publico-e-a-vale"},"permalink":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/noticias\/brumadinho-recommendations-to-public-power-and-vale\/","relative_url":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/noticias\/brumadinho-recommendations-to-public-power-and-vale\/","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/noticias\/15889","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/noticias"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/noticia"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15889"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15889"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15889"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15889"},{"taxonomy":"tema","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conectas.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tema?post=15889"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}