In a groundbreaking initiative, the Brussels Statement has been launched, highlighting the urgent need for an international framework to eliminate Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). The document responds to the devastating impacts of these pesticides on human health and the environment, particularly in Global South nations, which disproportionately suffer from exposure to these toxic substances.
The Statement emphasizes the creation of an international treaty to harmonize high safety standards, promote transitions to sustainable agricultural practices, and hold corporations accountable for the damage caused. Key recommendations include the global elimination of HHPs, a ban on aerial pesticide spraying, and the implementation of minimum residue standards for food and water.
The need for coordinated action is reinforced by organizations such as the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which support reducing pesticide dependency. The Brussels Statement represents a crucial step towards achieving environmental justice and promoting sustainable and equitable development.
