Summary

This report, written in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, documents the use of global pesticides in agriculture, and its impact on human rights. The report looks at the negative consequences that pesticide practices have had on human health, the environment and society—consequences which are underreported and monitored in the shadow of a prevailing and narrow focus on “food security”. The report also examines environmental and human rights regimes to determine whether rules are sufficient to protect farm workers, consumers and vulnerable groups, as well as the natural resources that are necessary to support sustainable food systems.

Methodology

The Special Rapporteur on the right to food presented this report to the Human Rights Council in March, 2017. Questionnaires were circulated to Governments, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Businesses, and other stakeholders to collect information to support this study. All contributions received are listed here.