“Doce River, Agreement overlooks victims-In an appeal to the UN, NGOs claim settlement agreement is incompatible with international standards for remedying human rights violations”, 19 May 2016

The settlement agreement signed between the federal government, the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo and the companies Vale, BHP Billiton and Samarco, responsible for the tailing dam that burst in the town of Mariana…last year, was the target of an urgent appeal sent…[on May 13]…to four UN special rapporteurs and the president of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights…[On…]…May 17, Brazil…Minister of the Environment, Sarney Filho, said he will propose a review of the agreement…The deal…will not be suspended…[T]he organizations claim that the extrajudicial agreement, negotiated behind closed doors and in disregard of the affected communities, contains severe limitations and weaknesses that make it inadequate to guarantee effective solutions and compensation for the victims. One of the most problematic aspects…is its governance…“…[T]he participation of civil society is extremely limited. The agreement gives the companies disproportionate powers…[and]… the public authorities have attempted to discharge themselves from their own responsibilities and omissions,” explained Caio Borges,…Conectas. Another flaw of the agreement…is the lack of socio-environmental indicators and objective timelines…The document…also criticizes the clause of the agreement that puts an end to all lawsuits…against the companies…