March 5, 2025
Poisonous Profit
Lead Waste Mining and Children’s Right to a Healthy Environment in Kabwe, Zambia
Zambia
June 5, 2026
World Environment Day: Zambia’s Mining Pollution Victims Need Justice
Mining pollution has been a fact of life for 15-year-old “Joyce” as long as she can remember. Joyce, whose real name is different, lives in the Zambian city of Kabwe, where mining for lead and zinc began during the British colonial period and continued for decades. Extracting minerals from the mine’s lead waste continues. As a result, Kabwe is now one of the most lead-polluted places globally: up to 200,000 people—particularly children—are exposed to lead, and many suffer from lead poisoning.
Videos
Videos-
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August 23, 2019
“We Have to Be Worried”
The Impact of Lead Contamination on Children’s Rights in Kabwe, Zambia
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June 14, 2018
Leave No Girl Behind in Africa
Discrimination in Education against Pregnant Girls and Adolescent Mothers
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News
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April 17, 2026
Human Rights Watch Statement to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
47th Ordinary Session
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December 17, 2025
Will Governments Move to Address Mining Abuses?
With increasing demand for minerals for the energy transition and defense, it is vital that governments ensure the protection of human rights and the environment throughout supply chains. Binding regulations are needed.
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December 1, 2025
An Opportunity to Address Mining Abuses Globally
States Should Support Colombian Initiative for Minerals Treaty
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September 11, 2025
Zambia: Acid Spill Jeopardizes Residents’ Health
Investigate Long-term Health Risks, Protect Right to a Healthy Environment
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September 4, 2025
Zambia: South African Firm Transferring Toxic Lead
Suspend Mining Operations in Lead Waste that Imperil Residents in Kabwe
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March 11, 2025
Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights
Access to Justice and Effective Remedies in the Context of Toxics
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March 5, 2025
Zambia: Mining in Toxic Lead Waste Poisons Children
Comprehensive Mine Remediation, End to Hazardous Mining Urgently Needed in Kabwe
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January 16, 2025
Southern Africa: Growing Authoritarianism Threatens Rights
Attacks on Civic Space, Media Have Far-Reaching Implications
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November 1, 2024
Zambia Should Stop Harassing Investigative Journalist
Thomas Zgambo Prosecuted for Exposing Corruption, Rights Abuses
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