(Mihajlo Maricic/ Getty Images)
The UN Special Rapporteur has filed a report on the use of pesticides in South Africa, highlighting the exposure of farmworkers and children to banned pesticides from the EU and other countries, which poses serious health risks. Although he commends the government’s plans to ban certain pesticides, he emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement by the Department of Agriculture. This report advocates for a ban on all hazardous pesticides that are prohibited in their countries of origin, urging South Africa to take action to protect its population from the harmful effects of pesticides.
During his visit to South Africa in 2023, the UN Special Rapporteur, Marcos Orellana, witnessed the alarming impact of pesticide exposure on human health, specifically noting the vulnerability of women and children. The report recommends banning aerial spraying, improving pesticide management, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing public participation in pesticide regulation processes. It also addresses the need for increased access to healthcare for farmworkers and better training on pesticide safety.
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