Human rights: UN expert on toxic waste to visit the Netherlands

GENEVA -- The Special Rapporteur on the adverse effects of the movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights, Okechukwu Ibeanu, will visit the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 26 to 28 November 2008, at the invitation of the Government.

The purpose of this mission to the Netherlands is to continue the Special Rapporteur’s investigation on the Probo Koala case.

In August 2008, Mr. Ibeanu undertook an in situ visit to Cote d’Ivoire as part of his investigation on the human rights impact of the August 2006 dumping of 500 tonnes of toxic waste around the district of Abidjan.

The waste originated from a Panama-registered tanker, the Probo Koala which was contracted by Trafigura, one of the largest independent companies trading commodities today.

The Special Rapporteur is scheduled to visit the cities of Amsterdam, The Hague and Vlissingen.

During his visit, Mr. Ibeanu will meet with Governmental officials; Parliamentary Committee on Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment; representatives of non-governmental organizations and academics; Saybolt International; Amsterdam Port Services and Trafigura, amongst others. He will also visit the Port of Amsterdam.

The Special Rapporteur will submit a joint report on his missions to Cote d’Ivoire and the Netherlands, including his conclusions and recommendations, to the Human Rights Council.

Mr. Okechukwu Ibeanu, Professor of Political Science at the University of Nigeria, was appointed Special Rapporteur in 2004. He is currently a Visiting Professor at King’s College, London.