Serbian Ombudsman Probes Bor City Administration Over Roma Living Conditions Near Ziđin Mine

The Protector of Citizens, Zoran Pašalić, has taken a significant step by launching an investigation into the City Administration of Bor. This action is a direct response to alarming reports concerning the living conditions of around 40 Roma households situated precariously close to the Ziđin mining operations.

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according to available information from the media, among the inhabitants of that settlement in Bor are children, babies and elderly people, who are exposed to constant pollution with dust and noise, as well as serious health risks.

These families, which include vulnerable groups such as children and infants, are reportedly enduring severe hardship. They are exposed to constant environmental hazards, including dust and noise pollution, posing serious risks to their health. The situation is further exacerbated by the looming threat of displacement as the mining activities expand.

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At the same time, it was pointed out that families have not been provided with adequate alternative accommodation, nor have appropriate acts and plans regarding their resettlement been made and adopted.

What is particularly concerning is the apparent lack of adequate alternative housing arrangements for these families. The City Administration's failure to develop and implement proper plans for their relocation raises serious questions about their commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of these citizens. Pašalić's intervention underscores a potential breach of fundamental human rights and freedoms, necessitating a thorough examination of the administration's conduct.

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Pašalić assessed that there is a possibility that the human rights and freedoms have been violated by an act, action or inaction of the administrative body, which is why the investigative procedure for controlling the work of the City Administration of Bor has been initiated.