5 Renowned Judges Heard 30 Witnesses Describe Crimes Against Humanity at Monsanto Tribunal
By: Watcharapol Daengsubha
Last weekend, farmers, scientists and activists from all over the world gathered at the Monsanto Tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, to present the case against destruction caused by one of the corporate giants that promotes industrial farming.
This symbolic Monsanto Tribunal in The Hague on Oct. 15.GreenpeaceThe 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.
Five internationally renowned judges heard 30 witnesses. Experts gave their accounts of theenvironmental damage wrought by Monsanto. One testimony described how monoculture has caused a great loss to seed variety. They compared the patenting of seeds to a new form of colonization.
These testimonies will give people all over the world a well-documented legal brief to be used in lawsuits against other similar corporations.
“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.”
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 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.
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About the Author: Watcharapol Daengsubha is a food and ecological agriculture campaigner with Greenpeace Southeast Asia..
This article (5 Renowned Judges Heard 30 Witnesses Describe Crimes Against Humanity at Monsanto Tribunal) was originally created and published by ecowatch.com and is printed here under “Fair Use” (see disclaimer below) with attribution to author Watcharapol Daengsubha and ecowatch.com.
Copyright © Watcharapol Daengsubha, Eco Watch, 2016
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