Uranium Mining and Human Rights Violation

Abstract

This article describes the way in which human rights have been violated by the uranium mining activity in Caetité/BA (Brazil), in addition to reporting the process of struggle carried out by people, affected communities and social movements in the afflicted territory. As a methodological strategy, we conducted interviews with members of social movements associated with the documentary collection on mining in the municipality. The analysis was presented in three parts. The first one reports the impacts of uranium mining and the violation of human rights; in the second, we present the social movements and Non-Governmental Organizations in the process of struggle in the concerned communities and territories affected by uranium mining in Caetité/BA and, lastly, the possible resistances. We consider the performance of the State to be limited in terms of guaranteeing human rights, being it conniving or the author of several of the violations identified. Social movements seek to develop strategies and actions to defend those affected, and it is essential to strengthen local resistance and intensify efforts to prevent further violations of rights and obtain reparation for those already violated by the Nuclear Industries of Brazil (INB).