Hazardous substances and waste: UN rights expert launches
first official visit to the UK
GENEVA (16 January 2017) – United Nations expert Baskut
Tuncak will visit the United Kingdom from 17 to 31 January to assess the
country’s human rights record in relation to the life cycle of hazardous
substances and waste, from their manufacturing to their final disposal.
“During my first visit to the UK, I will gather
first-hand information on the State’s efforts to prevent exposure to hazardous
substances and waste and ensure access to remedy for any harm caused,"
said the UN Special Rapporteur on hazardous substances and wastes.
“Assessing the needs of the most vulnerable to hazardous
substances and wastes, including workers, will also be an essential part of my
visit," said the expert, who will also look into toxic waste trade
practices and trends, the role of industry, and the human rights implications
of toxic air pollution, among other issues.
“I will pay particular attention to identifying the
legislative and institutional frameworks governing toxic and other wastes
management in the country, including in light of ‘Brexit’,” Mr. Tuncak noted.
The human rights expert, who is visiting the country at
the invitation of the Government, will meet with representatives of the
national Government, as well as civil society organizations and the business
community, in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cardiff.
“I believe the visit will provide an opportunity to
engage in a constructive dialogue with the UK authorities and other interested
parties at the national level about the human rights implications of sound
management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste,” he said.
A press conference will be held at the conclusion of the
visit, on 31 January 2017, at 10 a.m., at Maurice Barnett Room Central Hall,
Westminster Storey’s Gate, Westminster London SW1H 9NH. Access to the press
conference is strictly limited to journalists.
The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive
report with his findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in
September 2017.
ENDS
Mr. Baskut Tuncak (Turkey) was appointed Special
Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound
management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes by the UN Human
Rights Council in 2014. As Special Rapporteur, he is part of what is known as
the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the
largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the
general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring
mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues
in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary
basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They
are independent from any government or organization and serve in their
individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, Country Page: United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland
For more information and media requests, please contact:
In the United Kingdom (during the visit): Frederike
Jansonius (+41 79 752 0486 / fjansonius@ohchr.org)
In Geneva (before and after the visit): Alessandro Marra
(+41 22 917 9882 / amarra@ohchr.org) or write to srtoxicwaste@ohchr.org
For media inquiries related to other UN independent
experts:
Xabier Celaya – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 /
xcelaya@ohchr.org)
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