Kosovo Alert - Save the Romani on Toxic Land

To:  Canadian Prime Minister, British Prime Minister, US Congress

The health of some 530 residents of displaced persons' camps in the Mitrovica region of northern Kosovo is at risk due to lead pollution from a disused lead-smelting site near the camps. Most of those living in the three camps, including 138 children under the age of six, have dangerous levels of lead in their blood. Some of the children have suffered symptoms of lead poisoning, including convulsions and coma, suggesting very high levels of exposure. According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), children living at the camps “are at a true risk of encephalopathy [brain disorder] and possible death”.



















The group, all members of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptiani communities, are living in the displaced persons’ camps at Cesmin Lug (in Albanian, Cesminlukë), Zitkovac (Zhitkoc) and Kablare. Most have lived at the camps, set up by the UN in 1999, since fleeing their homes from southern Mitrovica following the conflict in Kosovo that same year. The camps are located on land which was used for a lead-smelting plant, operated by the Trepca Mines Company, until the UN forced its closure in 2000.



















1. We petition that these individuals be immediately provided with appropriate medical attention.



















2. We petition that these individuals be evacuated and provided with appropriate and safe housing in consultation with them. The evacuation must be performed with all due haste and safety precautions.



















3. We petition that the UNMIK personnel responsible for this tragedy be brought to justice and that they not be provided with immunity for criminal negligence. In addition, it must be recognized that UNMIK has violated these peoples' rights and must be prosecuted accordingly.



















4. We petition that in order to provide these individuals with the medical care they are in dire need of, and cannot receive in Kosovo or Serbia, that they be immediately transported to a country capable of providing them with said medical aid.



















5. We petition that a country such as Canada or the US or the UK give immediate and serious consideration to providing permanent asylum for all these individuals.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Kosovo Alert - Save the Romani on Toxic Land Petition to Canadian Prime Minister, British Prime Minister, US Congress was created by and written by Ilanna Sharon Mandel (ismandel@telus.net).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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