A/HRC/15/22 I. Introduction 1. The present report is submitted in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 9/1, which requested the Special Rapporteur “to continue to undertake, in consultation with the relevant United Nations bodies, organizations and the secretariats of relevant international conventions, a global, multidisciplinary and comprehensive study of existing problems and new trends in, and solutions to, the adverse effects of the trafficking and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes on human rights, (...) with a view to making concrete recommendations and proposals on adequate measures to control, reduce and eradicate these phenomena” (para. 4). 2. The report seeks to provide a critical review of the work and activities undertaken by the current Special Rapporteur since his appointment in July 2004. It consists of three substantive parts: the first part reviews the scope of the mandate vis-à-vis the norms, standards and principles developed in the field of international environmental law to regulate the management and disposal of hazardous products and wastes. It also identifies several areas of continued focus for the mandate, as well as two emerging issues that would need to be carefully studied from a human rights perspective. The second part provides a critical analysis of the current methods of work of the mandate holder, in order to assess to what extent the structure of the mandate is appropriate to enable the Special Rapporteur to carry out the functions described in resolution 9/1. The final part contains a set of concrete recommendations to the Council and the new mandate holder on how to strengthen the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. 3. Since this is his final annual report to the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur would like to take this chance to express his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an independent expert. He would also like to express his sincere appreciation to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the assistance and support received. II. Update on the activities of the Special Rapporteur A. Country missions 4. During the reporting period, the Special Rapporteur carried out country visits to Kyrgyzstan (A/HRC/15/22/Add.2) and India (A/HRC/15/22/Add.3). He wishes to express his gratitude for the invitations extended to him. The purpose of the mission to Kyrgyzstan (30 September–9 October 2009) was to examine steps undertaken by the country to eliminate the serious transboundary threats that uranium tailings, obsolete or banned pesticides and mercury waste pose to the health and the environment of countless individuals and communities living in Central Asia. The aim of the official visit to India (from 11 to 21 January 2010) was to gather first-hand information on the adverse effects that hazardous activities, such as shipbreaking and the recycling of electrical and electronic wastes (e-waste), have on the enjoyment of human rights of individuals working in these sectors or living close to the places where these activities take place. GE.10-14907 3