Right to Health and Clean Environment Sample Clauses

Right to Health and Clean Environment. We have noted earlier the huge and negative impact logging has had on the Penan’s ability to feed and sustain themselves. In addition, the Mission observed that villagers were heavily reliant on the river for water to drink, cook, and wash. However, villagers complained about logging activities polluting the river to the point where they fall sick when using river water for their daily needs. The pollution is caused by soil erosion and siltation that follows logging and that renders river water murky and unfit for drinking after heavy rainfall. Also, contaminants from logging camps have entered the rivers. Downstream from the Ba Kabang logging camp, villagers from Long Item claimed to have found used batteries, oil, and other pollutants in their river. In 2001, when the Ba Kabang camp reportedly began operations, many villagers complained of ailments like stomach aches and body itch.17 In Pengaran Kelian, villagers were forced 16 Laporan Jawatankuasa Bertindak Peringkat Kebangsaan Bagi Menyiarat Dakwaan Penderaan Seksual Terhadap Xxxxxx Kaum Penan di Sarawak, p 91 17 A similar problem faced by villagers in Long Bangga was highlighted in the local media. See “Draught-stricken rural folk in Sarawak now suffer severe skin problems” The Star, August 13 2009. to use water stored in large, xxxxx jars when rains caused siltation of river water. These claims that logging activities in the area have been polluting the rivers require urgent redress. Many villages now need clean water to be supplied to the village.