Human Rights on the Altars of Extractive Economies: A Case Study of Tiltil as a "Zona de Sacrificio" in Chile

Activists in Chile have coined the phrase “zonas de sacrificio”, meaning sacrifice zones, in an effort to raise awareness about several geographical areas in Chile that have become pseudo-official dumping grounds for... [ view full abstract ]

Activists in Chile have coined the phrase “zonas de sacrificio”, meaning sacrifice zones, in an effort to raise awareness about several geographical areas in Chile that have become pseudo-official dumping grounds for industrial contaminants, toxic residue, and everyday waste. One of these areas, Tiltil, is within the Santiago Metropolitan Region and its people have been protesting the more than 30 points of contamination within their small community and the adverse health consequences these sites cause.

The purpose of my investigation was to research the different types of contaminants in Tiltil, find scientific studies that prove the negative health effects these contaminants cause, and discuss health both as a human right and the basis for all other rights. I also investigate the roles and responsibilities of both foreign corporations dumping leftover toxins from their export products and the government, who has an explicit constitutional duty to protect the right to a healthy and clean environment. These actors have more interest in Chile’s success as an export economy and profit than the vulnerable communities being harmed by the waste generated from the export industry.

I conclude that human rights should be prioritized over economic growth and explore policy steps that must be taken to protect the health and rights of the residents living in zonas de sacrificio.