UN to probe violations in India's shipbreaking, e-waste businesses

India’s alleged eco-unfriendly and labour-unfriendly policies, particularly in shipbreaking activities in Gujarat and on e-waste disposal, are going to be probed from next week, when the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur Okechukwu Ibeanu undertakes a fact-finding mission.

Okechukwu is tasked to oversee “the adverse effects of the movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on the enjoyment of human rights”. He will make a detailed assessment on problems linked “to the unsound management and disposal of hazardous products and wastes, including electronic waste (e-waste) and their effects on human rights”.

“I intend to focus on the adverse effects that shipbreaking activities may have on the enjoyment of human rights of the countless individuals who work in the shipbreaking yards or live in their close proximity,” said the Special Rapporteur, who reports to the UN Human Rights Council here.

Workers in India’s shipbreaking yards allegedly face “the worst employment and unhealthy living conditions”. Labour and working conditions have rapidly deteriorated in China. India. South Africa and Brazil, said a pressure group. “There is no fixed work schedule and our bodies become black working days and nights and when we spit, it is black,” a worker at one of India’s shipbreaking companies told a pressure group in Geneva.

“Shipbreaking is an important industry for India, since it represents an important source of raw material supply and provides jobs to thousands of persons,” said Ibeanu.

“I continue to be concerned at the reportedly poor working practices and environmental conditions prevailing in most shipbreaking yards in South Asia,” the United Nations expert added.

Last year, the Special Rapporteur circulated a comprehensive report, indicting governments for not fully addressing the environmental and labour challenges in this sphere.

“Shipbreaking states should take steps to improve their regulatory and enforcement capacities in the field of labour law and worker safety, health and welfare, so as to strengthen the protection afforded to persons employed in the shipbreaking industry,” he emphasised, adding “they (the governments) should also eliminate obstacles which, de facto, prevent workers in shipbreaking yards from exercising their freedom of association and right to collective bargaining, and set up an effective and reliable system of labour inspections, with the participation of workers’ representatives.”

In addition to shipbreaking activities, the Special Rapporteur intends to examine the risks posed by the unsound management and disposal of e-waste to the human rights of individuals and communities that depend on the recycling of materials contained in obsolete electronic products for their subsistence.

“E-waste is one of the most hazardous waste streams worldwide,” stressed the United Nations expert.

“Electronics contain over 50 hazardous chemicals or heavy metals that can cause serious health and environmental risks if not disposed in an environmentally safe manner.”