The 2nd UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Eastern Europe and Central Asia took place on November 12, 2021. During this forum Inga Zarafyan, President of “EcoLur” Informational NGO, presented EcoLur's experience in protecting the "green" rights of people living in ecological hotspots in the course of the session entitled "Impact of Extractive Industries on Environment and Human Rights".
He presented the examples of violation of the residents’ rights in Kapan, Geghanush, Artsvanik and Dastakert in Syunik Region, Alaverdi, Akhtala, Shnogh/Teghut, Armanis in Vayots Dzor Region and Jermuk, Gndevaz residential settlements in Lori Region. According to Inga Zarafyan, the rights of access to clean and safe water, health, living in a healthy environment, free choice of property and activities are mainly violated, whereas the right to protection of one's own rights is violated the most.
In response to the the question what steps were taken by EcoLur to support the affected population, Inga Zarafyan cited the example of the active residents in Shnogh/Teghut, Akhtala and Alaverdi, local " Center for Community Mobilization and Support " NGO and Czech "Arnika" Environmental NGO.
"Due to detecting chemical pollution in the environment, raising public awareness about it, and conducting public campaigns, people are already defending their violated rights through the courts," she said.
The participants of the session were as follows: Europe and Central Asia Business and Human Rights Resource Centre Research Assistant Ashley Reynolds, Duman Mussin – Head of Organizational and Sustainable Development Unit, KMG, Kazakhstan, Kety Gujaraidze – Policy Analyst, Green Alternative, Georgia and Maryna Kupchuk, Head of Secretariat of OECD National Contact Point, Ukraine. The session was presided by Laura Altinger, Laura Altinger, UNDP Regional Team Leader in Europe and CIS – Nature, Climate and Energy Bureau of Policy and Programming Support.
November 12, 2021 at 15:49