Nichola Marshall, has been instructed by Roma families in Kosovo to investigate the possibility of bringing a claim against the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).  The families fled their homes in 1999 as a result of the war in Kosovo and were re-homed in temporary IDP (Internally Displaced People) camps in Northern Mitrovica.

The IDP camps were set up by the UN and were situated close to Trepca lead mine and smelting works.  Contrary to what was originally promised by the UN, these camps were not temporary and many of the displaced Roma families continue to live there today.  These families allege that their children are sick from lead poisoning, as a result of the location of the camps and their proximity to the lead mine.  

In addition to recommending the closure of several of these Roma camps in 2004, The World Health Organisation (WHO) has found that a number of children (most of whom have been born in the camps) have some of the highest levels of lead recorded in medical history.

Nichola met with the families in Kosovo this month, visiting the camps and surrounding area:  “I met parents whose children had such high levels of lead in their blood that they exceeded the machines capacity to take a reading.  Others had allowed their children to be tested on numerous occasions, but had never been provided with the results, causing constant distress and worry.  Children who are chronically exposed to high levels of lead can suffer severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy and irreversible neurological injury”.

If you have been affected by this incident and would like to discuss the matter further, please contact Nichola Marshall on 020 7650 1200.