abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Opinion

12 Jul 2019

Author:
12/7/19 - Adam Barnett, Communications Officer, BHRRC

BHRRC says Vale's compensation process for Brumadinho dam collapse must involve affected communities

See all tags

Julia Mello Neiva, Senior Brazil Researcher at Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, said: 

“This is an important decision for the hundreds of victims of this appalling disaster. But it’s critical that compensation efforts are part of a process which includes the workers and communities affected, to ensure their needs are met. 

 

“We saw similar judgements in the wake of the Samarco dam collapse, but almost four years on many of the affected communities are still waiting for full compensation and resettlement. This week’s decision should prompt renewed action from the courts and the companies to help the Samarco victims put their lives back together.”  

 

She added: “The only way to truly honour the Brumadinho victims and achieve justice would be to take serious action now to make sure this never happens again. 

 

“Companies and states responsible for disasters must be held accountable and provide full reparation for victims. We need tougher regulation and monitoring bodies enforcing a legal duty on companies to identify and prevent human rights risks. Communities living near these dams should know the law protects them from corporate abuse.” 

Contacts:

Julia Mello Neiva, Senior Brazil Researcher: [email protected]. +55 11 97066-9551

Joe Bardwell, Communications Manager: [email protected], +44 7966636981