This submission highlights the health and human rights challenges that Indigenous communities face as a result of harmful development projects.
In northern Thailand, the Indigenous Lua and Karen communities are suffering from the impacts of mining. Their dependence on land and water for their livelihoods makes them vulnerable to air pollution and contaminated water sources, resulting in respiratory and waterborne diseases.
Environmental degradation not only impacts health but also threatens food security. As natural resources dwindle, traditional ways of life and livelihoods are disrupted, increasing social and economic vulnerabilities in these communities.
The right to health and development is interconnected. At EarthRights, we commit to defending the rights of communities by combining legal action with activism. We hold businesses and governments accountable for development projects and practices that harm the environment and violate human rights. Through documentation and advocacy, we highlight the interdependence of the environment and the right to health, which includes not only access to healthcare but also essential aspects such as clean water, nutrition, and safe living conditions.
Through this submission, we urge the U.N. Special Rapporteur to take a proactive role in addressing these critical issues. The right to health for Indigenous communities must be recognized and protected, ensuring they can live in a healthy environment and secure their livelihoods. By amplifying their voices, we can advocate for meaningful change and uphold the principle that health is a fundamental human right.
