Ethiopia mine pollution has long posed severe risks to communities surrounding the Lega Dembi gold mine in the Oromia region. In 2020, an image captured by Tom Gardner of a 16-year-old boy collecting water from a local spring illustrated the precarious living conditions residents face. Children have been particularly affected, with reports of long-term health issues, miscarriages, and stillbirths linked to toxic substances such as cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic released from Ethiopia’s largest gold mining operation.
UN Committee Review and Government Response
Next week, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child will convene to assess children’s rights in Ethiopia, focusing on the health hazards near the Lega Dembi mine. Previously, the Ethiopian government temporarily halted mining from 2018 to 2021 following community protests over pollution concerns. They committed to reopening the mine only after addressing environmental issues. However, Human Rights Watch has reported that authorities suppressed a governmental health study and reopened the site without public notice, keeping agreements with Midroc Investment Group confidential.
Midroc claimed in 2023 and 2025 that it had mitigated environmental risks through improved cyanide management and victim compensation, maintaining contaminant levels below World Health Organization standards. Despite these assurances, the government retains the primary responsibility to protect children’s rights under international law, while companies must ensure their operations do not contribute to harmful human rights violations.
Recommendations for Child Protection and Justice
Human Rights Watch, in collaboration with the Kontomaa Darimu Alliance and a human rights center at Northwestern University, has presented recommendations to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Key measures include:
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Suspension of mine operations until independent environmental health assessments confirm safety
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Public disclosure of findings and ongoing risks to the community
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Comprehensive remedies for affected children, including medical care, compensation, and access to justice
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Long-term monitoring of health outcomes in nearby communities
The Committee’s upcoming review presents a critical opportunity to effect meaningful improvements for children and families impacted by mining pollution in Ethiopia. Their recommendations could set a precedent for enforcing environmental and health protections while holding both governments and corporations accountable for violations.
Insights to Apply Today
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Governments and corporations must prioritize children’s health in industrial operations
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Independent assessments should guide reopening of environmentally sensitive sites
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Transparent reporting and access to justice are essential for affected communities
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International oversight can reinforce compliance with human rights and environmental standards
By addressing these urgent issues, the Committee and stakeholders can help safeguard children and ensure justice for victims of mining pollution in Ethiopia.
