At the headquarters of the indigenous movement, the expert expressed concern about the use of toxic substances by some mining operations, which leads to the accumulation of waste containing a high percentage of arsenic or cyanide and affects the communities surrounding the Ecuadorian Amazon.
“They can have accidents and pollute rivers. “This is definitely worrying,” he added.
Orellana also pointed to non-compliance or delays in compliance with a series of judicial rulings in Ecuador on environmental protection, people’s health and lives, as well as the effects of illegal mining.
The official warned that the laws that should protect people, what they do is legalize pollution.
CONAE members expressed their appreciation for the meeting as a way to enhance their ability to influence international organizations and expose the situation of human rights and territorial rights of indigenous peoples and nationalities in Ecuador, with regard to the effects of toxic substances derived from extractive industries.
The UN expert arrived in the South American country on May 14 and concluded his stay here on Saturday.
This Thursday, the specialist was in the Andean city of Latacunga, where he learned about the impact of mining on the lands of indigenous peoples and nationalities in the Ecuadorian highlands.
Also this week, a team of UN experts recommended that Ecuadorian authorities ensure environmental consultations in mining projects, in accordance with human rights standards.
Through a statement, they demanded the inclusion of all communities that could be affected by extractive activities, especially the La Plata SA or Curipampa-El Domo projects, linked to Canadian capital companies.
L/NTA
“Award-winning alcohol trailblazer. Hipster-friendly internetaholic. Twitter ninja. Infuriatingly humble beer lover. Pop culture nerd.”