HUMAN RIGHT VIOLATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONDITION OF SELECTED PERSONS RESIDENT IN OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: The exploration of rich human and natural resources in Delta State degrades thesoil, violate human right, as well as inflict degenerative health challenges on surroundingcommunities especially the slum dwellers.Objective: The study has two core objectives. First, it highlighted human right violations andenvironmental health condition of selected slum dwellers in oil producing communities in DeltaState. Secondly, it examined the attitudes of multinational companies and the government inmediating the consequences of the explorative activities.Methodology: Explanation of core variables of study was anchored on Conflict and Developmenttheories, as well as Health Belief Model. A total of 400 participants were sampled. Instruments ofdata collection and analysis were triangulated. Thus, data were gathered using questionnaire andthe interview. However, quantitative data were analyzed with simple percentages, while chi-squarewas used to test hypotheses and content analysis applied to qualitative data.Results: Findings revealed that there are wide spread evidence of oil spillage and gas flaring,condition which destroys the peoples source of livelihood, as well as altering their state of health.Concerned authorities, particularly multinational companies and the government have consistentlyfailed to put in place measures that will ameliorate the challenges of environmental degradationand deterioration of health. Thus, dwellers suffer human right violations with an environmentreplete with decay and high rate of crime. They suffer severe depression, high blood pressure andseizures due to consumption of contaminated substances along with their food, herbs and water.Conclusion: The study concludes that, there is human right violations and poor environmentalhealth condition of slum dwellers in oil producing communities in Delta Stat. These situationsdegenerate due to oil exploration. The lukewarm attitudes of multinational companies and thegovernment in mediating the consequences of explorative activities amount to human rightviolation punishable by law. Unfulfilled expectations shape the attitudes of the slum dwellers andmost aggrieved agitators.