Monsanto Tribunal: Five Renowned Judges Hear Witnesses Describe Crimes Against Humanity
The symbolic Monsanto Tribunal aimed to hold Monsanto—the giant agrochemical company—to account for its alleged atrocities against humanity and the environment.
This event is far from over. It will echo back through the food system as the tribunal’s participants bring home lessons, solutions and renewed hope for change.
Monsanto Tribunal in The Hague on Oct. 15.Greenpeace
First day of the tribunal, judges Tulkens (left) and Dior Fall Sow.Greenpeace
Seng Channeang, Cambodian small-scale farmer.Greenpeace
“Although this is not legally binding, it is legally sound,” said Arnaud Apoteker, member of the steering committee of the tribunal. “The witnesses were presenting real cases to real judges. The lessons from this event can be used in ensuing local battles.”One of the 30 witnesses, Feliciano Ucam Poot, a Mayan farmer from Mexico, submitted evidence to support his allegations that glyphosate and other chemicals are linked to children’s sickness.
“Before the introduction of glyphosate and other agrochemicals, I did not see our people suffer from sickness like this,” he said. “A lot of people are suffering like us and this tribunal will ensure that our stories will be heard around the world.”
Scene from the Monsanto Tribunal Press Conference on Oct. 15.Greenpeace
Running parallel to the tribunal hearings was a People’s Assembly, where people from around the world discussed solutions to the impacts caused by industrial agriculture. As many of the witnesses pointed out, one of the greatest challenges they face is to make their voices heard. This assembly provided a much needed forum for communities to come together and find sustainable solutions to common problems.
The People’s Assembly, The Hague.Greenpeace
“We should fight for ourselves. Nobody is free from danger if our food is toxic,” said Farida Akhter of UBINIG (Policy Research for Development Alternatives), Bangladesh.The stories of people like Feliciano and the concerns of Farida are echoed by millions of voices from across the world; from beekeepers in Mexico to small scale producers in France and farmers in India.
The judges of the tribunal will assess these allegations, examine all evidence put forth and publish their findings in December.
Judges at the Monsanto Tribunal.Greenpeace
Here are 12 things you can do to start the eco-food revolution.
Watcharapol Daengsubha is a food and ecological agriculture campaigner with Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
The original source of this article is Eco Watch
Copyright © Watcharapol Daengsubha, Eco Watch, 2016
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