Celebrity support to end the road for endosulfan

The Rotterdam Convention

This week, March 15th-19th 2010, Review Committee members will convene in Geneva to discuss whether endosulfan should be listed under the Rotterdam Convention. The Convention intends to promote information exchange about the trade of hazardous chemicals, and to assist less developed countries in enforcing national bans and restrictions on listed chemicals. In effect, it requires a country to give ‘prior informed consent’ before a listed chemical can be imported.

Listing endosulfan would empower developing countries, enabling them to take active steps to protect their people and their natural environment.

India blocking progress

At the last meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention the Indian delegation led opposition to the listing of endosulfan, obstructing the necessary consensus for action otherwise widely supported.

The Convention demands that scientific evidence form the basis of decision-making, yet the preservation of self-interest by India and others meant that endosulfan is yet to be listed.

Why ‘no’ to a ban?

India is one of the world’s largest producers of pesticides, and the largest producer of endosulfan. The Indian State directly benefits from the sale of the pesticide, as the owner of one of the leading endosulfan manufacturers – Hindustan Insecticides Ltd.

Countries from the UK to Benin to Cambodia have all spoken in support of a global ban, with more than 60 national bans across the globe already in place.

However, India remains the biggest producer and user of endosulfan despite one of its states, Kerala, already banning it and the availability of viable alternatives. The Indian government vigorously opposes a global ban, and is stymieing efforts by other developing countries to engage in an open debate on this deadly chemical.

EJF and supporters are urging the Indian government to take a decisive role and end the production and use of endosulfan in India, a move which will have global significance.

Film director, Deepa Mehta says:

"I highly support the international campaign for a ban on the toxic chemical pesticide called Endosulfan. It is unbelievable that this toxic chemical is still commonly used in countries like India knowing the harmful side effects and I urge others to take action against this travesty."

"Have some value for life and stop this madness"