edited by|Antnio Fred "politics section

Johannesburg- South Africa
19- Jan.-2023

A South African court has allowed a group

of UN-appointed experts to intervene in a class action lawsuit against a mining company based in Zambia, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, reported on Thursday.
The lawsuit against mining giant Anglo American was filed on behalf of women and children in Zambia’s central Kabwe District, who are the alleged victims of lead poisoning.

The UN experts - whose mandates cover issues such as toxic pollution and human rights, business and human rights, and discrimination against women and girls – had sought to intervene in the case.

The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg will listen to the witness and run its arguments on the claims of merits

The applicants allege that the Anglo-American South African company of mining, through its prior involvement in the activities of the local lead mine in Kabwe, assumed a duty of care towards residents, especially protection against lead exposure.

“Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children,” the UN experts said

the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified it as one of 10 chemicals of major public health concern, needing action by countries to protect the health of workers, children, and women of reproductive age.

“According to the WHO, there is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects,” they added.

“Young children can suffer profound and permanent adverse health effects and disabilities, including in the development of the brain and the nervous system. Pregnant women's exposure to lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.”