The leading manufacturer of pesticides and GMO products, Monsanto, will be taken to trial for crimes against humanity.
Dozens of human rights and environmental organizations will be presenting evidence at the International Criminal Court in The Hague about how the American company has been systematically going against humanity itself. The main accusers are Regeneration International, IFOAM International Organics, OCA and others.
According to the main charges, pesticide and GMO maker Monsanto has been developing and selling several extremely harmful toxins since the beginning of the 20th century. These same have caused irreversible damage to the environment, as well as to human health worldwide.
Among the most destructive chemicals are: 2, 4, 5 T, (aka Agent Orange) used during the Vietnam War by the US army, which causes cancer in humans and birth defects; polychlorinated biphenyl, which has detrimental effects on the reproductive capabilities of humans and animals; persistent organic pollutants and several others.
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, passed in 2011, will be used as the legal basis for the lawsuit. A specially assembled committee at the International Criminal Court in The Hague will have to determine to what extent Monsanto is guilty of the damage done to the environment and humanity.
If the manufacturer is found guilty, this will set a precedent that other similar companies may be held accountable as well.
