The Monsanto Tribunal annouced its findings on April 18 (Photo: AFP/VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Monsanto Tribunal hasfound Monsanto – an US multinational chemical firm – is guilty of ecocide,which has left long-term consequences on the ecosystem of various nations, includingVietnam.
The conclusion was delivered by fiveinternational judges in The Hague, the Netherlands, on April 18 after sixmonths of investigation and two days of testimony.
Six months ago, the civil society trial beganreviewing operations of Monsanto. Once being among producers of Agent Orange/dioxinfor the US army during wartime in Vietnam, the biotech giant now produces pesticidesand genetically modified plants.
The judges said Monsanto has engaged inpractices which have negatively impacted the human rights to a healthyenvironment, food and health.
The company's business activities were found toadversely affect food availability for individuals and communities andinterfere with the ability of individuals and communities to feed themselvesdirectly or to choose non-genetically modified seeds.
The tribunal also found Monsanto has infringedon the freedom of scientific research, of thought and expression.
The panel said it is high time to seek a newlegal concept on ecocide, which holds corporations, rather than justindividuals, accountable for the damage they inflict on health, food, and theenvironment.
Convened by civil society groups, thetribunal's findings are not legally binding.
However, Judge Françoise Tulkens, chair of the MonsantoTribunal, said the conclusion was drawn based on acknowledged reports andevidence.
She noted the advisory opinion highlighted the legalconcept of ecocide, which will help push countries’ respect for basic humanrights.
Victims of toxic chemicals and corporate powercan use the conclusions in their liability cases against Monsanto and similarcompanies, according to the judge.
The findings will be submitted to the UnitedNations, UN Human Rights Committee, International Criminal Court, and Monsanto.-VNA
VNA
