Summary

On the 25^th anniversary of the creation of the mandate, the Special Rapporteur shares his reflections on the recent work under the mandate. He notes progress made toward environmental justice, a driving force behind the mandate since 1995, as well as ongoing challenges, such as wealthy States exporting banned chemicals to poorer ones.

States and businesses are contributing to increasing violation and abuse of human rights, a silent pandemic that is largely going unnoticed. The most vulnerable in society continue to be disproportionately affected by toxic exposures. Indigenous peoples, children, workers and other vulnerable populations are being legally poisoned by air pollution, contaminated food and water, and other toxics.

Information on risks, mitigation measures and safer alternatives is key to helping prevent harm and premature deaths due to hazardous substances. Yet information available to people about the potential risks of toxics is inadequate, further endangering our bodies and our planet.

The Special Rapporteur concludes with a number of recommendations to the UN, to States and to the private sector.

View recommendations and conclusions in the 25^th anniversary of the mandate on toxics report