Migrants Living in Toxic Dump in Cerro Chuño, Chile

Cerro Chuño, a neighborhood in Arica, Chile, has become a symbol of environmental Pollution and danger. Once a bustling area with everything at its doorstep, it is now a shell of its former self, devastated by environmental contamination and criminal activity.

Source: T13/Youtube

The residents of Cerro Chuño, many of whom are migrants and refugees from across Latin America, are facing a toxic reality. The neighborhood is heavily contaminated with lead, arsenic, and other hazardous heavy metals, causing serious health problems for those who call it home. Mireia Godoy, a 74-year-old resident, lists off her own illnesses, from problems with her bones, heart, legs, and hands, all due to the lead contamination from the toxic dump where her sons used to play.

The contamination of Cerro Chuño can be traced back to an international mining agreement in the 1990s. Meanwhile, criminal activity in the area has flourished, with a faction of the Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua gang using Cerro Chuño as their headquarters in Chile for drug and human trafficking, extortion, and even torture. The Chilean government has made efforts to combat the criminal activity, but little has been done to address the environmental crisis.

It is a heartbreaking reality for the residents of Cerro Chuño, who have nowhere else to go. They are trapped in a toxic hell, facing both physical and emotional harm every day. We must take action to ensure that no community is left to suffer like this. The first step is raising awareness about the situation in Cerro Chuño and pressuring those in power to address the environmental crisis and provide Support for the residents. We cannot turn a blind eye to this tragedy.

So let us not just read and share this article, but also take concrete steps towards creating a better future for the residents of Cerro Chuño and communities like it. Whether it’s donating to organizations working on Environmental justice, advocating for change through social media or supporting policymakers who prioritize sustainability and human rights, every little bit helps. Let us stand in solidarity with Cerro Chuño and work towards a better, cleaner, and safer future for all.

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