Human Rights Situation of the Apetina Indigenous Community in Suriname

The SIHF reported that gold mining in the region has led to mercury contamination of the river near Apetina. According to the Petitioners, the village has no clean water and its primary source of protein – fish – is unsafe. The Petitioners submitted evidence to the IACHR showing that this contamination has led to widespread birth defects and premature death in Apetina.  They asked Suriname to clamp down on unsafe mining practices and to commit to providing clean water and food to the village, citing the right to food in theProtocol of San Salvador.
http://hrbrief.org/2014/03/human-rights-situation-of-the-apetina-indigenous-community-in-suriname/