On December 10th, 2013 during celebrations to mark International Human Rights Day, the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) was awarded the prestigious Human Rights Award by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) in conjunction with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The award is in recognition of NAPE’s long time work in fighting for sustainable use of Uganda’s natural resources and the rights of communities affected by the numerous development processes in the country.
IPEN members have participated as observers in the work of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Review Committee (POPRC) since its inception. The POPRC is a subsidiary body to the Stockholm Convention established for reviewing chemicals proposed for listing in Annex A, B, and/or C.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee met virtually to discuss important additions to the chemicals listed in the Stockholm Convention. While IPEN is deeply disappointed that a decision on the flame retardant declorane plus (DP) was deferred, the committee decided to move forward on UV-238 and methoxychlor.
IPEN has convened an international panel of independent experts from the fields of fire safety, chemistry, policy, and remediation to present at this side event. The panel also offers the third in a series of papers about PFAS chemicals: sources of contamination, implications for public and occupational health, safe alternatives, and remediation.
Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) conducted a study on toxic levels in toys and public perception in Bangladesh from October 2012 until August 2013. During the study, toys were collected from different stores in Dhaka and sent to the Nepal Bureau of Standard and Metrology for analysis.
Levels of toxic metals in 97% of the toys tested were signficantly above the European Union and United States recommended ceiling for lead, cadmium, bromine and chromium.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee met virtually to discuss important additions to the chemicals listed in the Stockholm Convention. While IPEN is deeply disappointed that a decision on the flame retardant declorane plus (DP) was deferred, the committee decided to move forward on UV-238 and methoxychlor.
