40 Years After the Bhopal Disaster: A Call for Justice
On December 2, 2024, Amnesty International marked the 40th anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world's worst industrial disasters, highlighting the ongoing plight of survivors and the entrenched issue of environmental racism in India. The catastrophic event, which occurred when a gas leak from a pesticide factory killed at least 22,000 people, has left a lasting impact on the community, with half a million individuals suffering from its effects across generations.
Amnesty's report, titled “Bhopal: 40 Years of Injustice,” underscores that despite the passage of four decades, little has changed for the victims, who predominantly belong to low-income, marginalized, and minority communities. The organization criticized both Indian and US authorities for their failure to hold accountable the corporate giants responsible for the disaster, namely the Union Carbide Corporation and its successor, Dow Chemical. Mark Dummett, Head of Business and Human Rights at Amnesty International, condemned the lack of accountability and the continued negligence towards the victims' rights.
The report reveals that thousands of tons of toxic waste remain buried near the abandoned factory, leading to ongoing water pollution and health hazards for the local population. Amnesty International emphasized that the systemic and intergenerational discrimination faced by these communities exemplifies environmental racism, a violation of fundamental human rights that affects their right to life, health, and a clean environment.
Survivor groups continue to advocate for justice through legal action and scientific research, despite inadequate support from state and corporate entities. Amnesty's findings call for a comprehensive reparations program to address the long-standing injustices faced by the Bhopal community.
