An international organization known for addressing human rights issues in developing nations has focused its efforts on a small community in southwest Nova Scotia. Amnesty International has joined forces with residents of African Nova Scotian descent in their quest for clean water in an area near an old landfill in Shelburne, where concerns have emerged about water contamination and elevated cancer rates among the approximately 50 Black inhabitants.
Amnesty International’s Canadian representatives recently visited the region to listen to community members’ accounts of past and ongoing challenges. David Matsinhe, the organization’s research, policy, and advocacy director, expressed shock at the conditions, emphasizing the need to uphold fundamental human rights such as access to clean drinking water and secure land ownership.
The former landfill site, which ceased operations in 2016, is now a fenced-off area concealing decades of waste accumulation from various sources. Amnesty International has penned a letter in support of the residents, urging local authorities to ensure safe drinking water, remediate the landfill, and address the environmental racism prevalent in the community.
While Shelburne’s Mayor Stan Jacklin declined to comment extensively on the matter, his involvement in the South End Environmental Injustice Society underscores ongoing efforts to provide clean water to residents. Louise Delisle, a prominent figure in the community’s activism, welcomed Amnesty’s engagement, highlighting the urgent need for action to rectify historical injustices.
Scientific studies are underway to determine the impact of the landfill on residents’ health, with researchers analyzing samples to ascertain any correlation between the site and increased cancer incidence. Delisle stresses the importance of reparations and governmental accountability in addressing the repercussions of environmental racism, including property devaluation among affected communities.
Efforts to establish a community well have been ongoing, with discussions initiated to convert an existing well into a shared water source. The Nova Scotia government has expressed willingness to support the project financially, offering hope for a sustainable solution to the community’s water challenges. Delisle remains optimistic that future generations will no longer have to rely on bottled water for their daily needs, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing long-standing environmental injustices.
Amnesty International’s involvement in advocating for the cleanup of the Shelburne landfill and ensuring safe water access for affected residents highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing environmental and racial inequalities at the local level.
