November 2016

This case study examines attempts by stone workers in quarries in Rajasthan to gain redress for poor labour conditions, death and injury caused by silicosis and asbestosis…Human rights issues in the stone sector in India include bonded labour, child labour, and unhealthy and unsafe work environments resulting in injury and death by silicosis and asbestosis. The quarry sector is largely unregulated and most workers are undocumented and unorganised…Some redress was attained through the National Human Rights Commission of India (‘NHRC’) by interacting with the High Court of Rajasthan and the state government to provide compensation for thousands of victims of silicosis…The international multi-stakeholder initiatives attempts to address the issue…had made little or no progress in improving conditions for workers or engaging with local players over the course of our field work…However, progress may have been made since then. This case study highlights the need for intensive engagement at the local level…