28 September 2015: Two independent UN Human Rights Special Rapporteurs have called for a global phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). The calls were issued as the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) meets in Geneva, Switzerland, to consider adding HHPs as an issue of concern in the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).

Baskut Tuncak, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and hazardous substances and waste, noted a lack of coordinated action on HHPs to date, and said it is imperative for States to “take collective action now,” since the workers, children and others at risk from the pesticides cannot wait several years.

Hilal Elver, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, stressed exposure risks to farm workers and their families, as well as risks posed by HHP residues in food and breastmilk. She called for urgent action to reorient food production systems to inflict less harm and be more sustainable, suggesting agro-ecology as a proven alternative to reliance on HHPs.

The Special Rapporteurs are appointed as part of the UN Human Rights Council’s (HRC) Special Procedures to conduct fact-finding and monitoring of thematic issues that may affect human rights. Their work is done on a voluntary basis, in their individual capacity, independent from any government or organization. [OHCHR Press Release] [UN Press Release] [IISD RS Coverage of ICCM 4]