In the former colonies integrated into the French Republic, the access to drinking water is a health and environmental emergency.
Claire Hédon, Human Rights Defender, and her deputy Éric Delemar, Defender of the Rights of the Child, presented their annual report on children’s rights on 20 November. Entitled “Children’s Right to a Healthy Environment – Protecting Childhood, Preserving the Future”, the document highlights the links between environmental degradation and the fundamental rights of very young children. It focuses in particular on the health situation in former colonies integrated into the French Republic, such as Réunion. The report notes that year-round access to drinking water remains a dream for many inhabitants of these former colonies, despite the fact that their countries have been integrated into the Republic in the form of departments for almost 80 years. The water arrives directly at several water points in each home, but the question is whether this water, which is sold as potable, is polluted.
An alarming situation in the West Indies and Mayotte
In Guadeloupe, almost 60% of treated water is lost through leaks in ageing infrastructure. Frequent power cuts affect schools and health services. Worse still, the water that is available is often contaminated, making it unsafe to drink. In Mayotte, 30% of the population has no direct access to drinking water. Prolonged droughts and regular water cuts make daily life worse for the Mahorais, putting children at risk of dehydration and water-borne diseases. The recent discovery of cholera cases underlines the severity of the crisis.
UN experts have called on France to take action to guarantee this fundamental right, pointing out that water is essential for survival and human dignity.
Chlordecone pollution: an environmental tragedy in the French West Indies
Chlordecone, used extensively on banana plantations until 1993, has caused long-term contamination of groundwater in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Today, water, soil and even food (fruit, vegetables, fish) remain contaminated. Over 90% of adults are affected by this pesticide, which is recognised as an endocrine disruptor. In children, it can cause developmental problems and premature births.
The human rights defender is calling for better screening and support for victims to help them obtain compensation.
Illegal gold mining in French Guiana: an invisible threat
Illegal gold mining in French Guiana causes heavy metal pollution, especially lead, which contaminates soil, water and food. Childhood lead poisoning has reached alarming levels, affecting one in five children. The resulting neurological damage is often irreversible, affecting isolated and vulnerable indigenous communities in particular.
In the face of these health and environmental crises, dilapidated infrastructure and economic insecurity exacerbate inequalities.
