A Global Challenge

Hazardous substances from human activity are found in the food people eat, the air people breathe, the water people drink, and the places people work. Even before they are born, children have hundreds of toxic chemicals in their bodies. Scientists link higher levels of certain cancers and other adverse health impacts to the increasing production and use of toxic chemicals over the past several decades.

In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council affirmed that hazardous substances and waste may constitute a serious threat to the full enjoyment of human rights. The rapid acceleration in chemical production suggests the likelihood that this is an increasing threat, particularly for the human rights of the most vulnerable. The UN Special Rapporteur is mandated by the Human Rights Council to monitor the impacts and implications of hazardous substances and wastes. This website describes his work.

Issues of Interest

Business and Human Rights In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council endorsed the “UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.”  Under the Gu...
Childhood exposure NEW REPORT:  Rights of the Child and Toxics (Sept. 2016) A focus area for the Special Rapporteur under his mandate is the prevale...
Right to Information Right to Information on Hazardous Substances and Wastes Summary of the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the implications for hu...

Resources

Country Visit Reports

Mission to Denmark & Greenland (2-13 October 2017) Statement at the conclusion of the visit English  Report To be presented S...

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Your Rights

Human Rights Implicated by Toxic Chemicals  Human rights are universal and inalienable. All people everywhere in the world are en...

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Press Releases

Statements

Thematic Reports

2018:  Rights of workers and exposure to toxic chemicals (available soon) UN Special Rapporteur’s intention in this study w...

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Submit an Urgent Appeal or Allegation

Submission of information and individual complaints The Special Rapporteur can send a “Communication” to the concerne...

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