Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reminded the Ethiopian government of its obligations under international law following reports that residents living near the Lega Dembi gold mine have suffered years of serious health complications due to pollution.

The pollution is reportedly linked to birth defects, miscarriages, and stillbirths. Multiple studies have identified high concentrations of toxic chemicals – including cadmium, mercury, lead, and arsenic – at the site of the country’s largest gold mine.

HRW has urged the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, scheduled to meet next week, to call for the mine’s suspension and an independent assessment of its operations.