UIC Students Take Multidisciplinary Approach to Toxins and Human Rights in Namibia
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UIC students and staff who worked to advance environmental justice in Tsumeb, Namibia. (Photo: UIC School of Public Health)
A team of students from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the UIC School of Public Health and the UIC School of Law travelled to Namibia to investigate a public health crisis in the mining town of Tsumeb. They conducted fact-finding, interviewed affected residents, and consulted with environmental and industry experts, ultimately confirming the credibility of allegations against local smelting operations. They also helped residents navigate procedures for registering their claims with the UN in support of an investigation into human rights abuses in Tsumeb.
Modified on May 21, 2026