Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed support for a coalition of Zambian and international stakeholders urging the African Union to intervene in the cleanup of a toxic mining site in Kabwe, Zambia. The site, formerly home to one of the world’s largest lead and zinc mines, has been the focal point of severe environmental contamination and public health concerns. According to reports, the group has filed a complaint to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), seeking accountability for the ongoing pollution disaster affecting thousands.
Kabwe has been categorized as one of the most polluted places globally, as highlighted in a 2022 United Nations report. The mine operated from 1906 until 1994, and during this period, as well as the decades following its closure, toxic lead particles dispersed through the environment, contaminating soil and air and posing significant health risks. As HRW noted, approximately 200,000 people may have been exposed to hazardous materials, with over 95 percent of children in the vicinity having lead in their blood.
The coalition of complainants includes the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, several Zambian nongovernmental organizations, and affected families, who urge the AU to hold officials accountable under the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. They argue that the Zambian government must prioritize the health and safety of children over economic concerns.
This advocacy comes in the wake of legal challenges, such as a lawsuit dismissed in December 2023. However, plaintiffs have been granted permission to appeal to South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, which they pursued in November 2025. The call for action emphasizes the need for state responsibility and corporate accountability, advocating for effective reparations and long-term environmental rehabilitation.
The health crisis in Kabwe has drawn international attention, with experts warning of the grave implications of lead poisoning, particularly for children whose developing bodies are more susceptible to its harmful effects. According to HRW, addressing this issue is critical not only for the impacted communities but as a broader statement on environmental justice and child protection across the continent.