A/HRC/39/48 22 Annex Mapping references to the rights of workers in previous reports and selected communications of the Special Rapporteur For over 20 years, the Commission on Human Rights, and subsequently the Human Rights Council, have mandated a special rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes (formerly the illicit movement and dumping of toxic and dangerous products and wastes) to monitor and report on the issues confronting workers in various industries around the world. These sectors include extractive industries, manufacturing, agriculture and food, the dismantling of end-of-life ships (shipbreaking) and the disposal of electronic waste and other forms of waste disposal, in both the formal and informal sectors. The present annex contains examples of cases brought to the attention of the mandate, selected from reports of and communications to the Special Rapporteur. It is envisaged that a more complete compilation will be submitted to the Council at future sessions. Report References to occupational exposures “Legal framework related to the release of toxic and dangerous products during armed conflict” The report contained an overview of previous reports that illustrate impacts of workers’ exposure to toxic chemicals on human rights. (A/HRC/5/5, sect. III) (2007) The former Special Rapporteur’s report in 2004 highlighted the adverse impacts on the human rights of workers and communities involved in hazardous waste disposal or recycling operations of obsolete ships and electronic wastes in developing countries. 1 The 2006 report of the former Special Rapporteur focused on chronic, low-level exposure to hazardous chemicals.2 Previously the former Special Rapporteur reported on the human rights impact of hazardous chemicals from acute exposures, such as in the context of incidents of pesticide poisoning in developing countries or from catastrophes like the Bhopal disaster. Challenges faced by workers • Inadequate standards of protection • Limited progress in prevention of exposure • Disconnected efforts on occupational and environmental health • Opaque supply chains and the transfer of hazardous work • Exploitation of those most at risk In the 2007 report the former Special Rapporteur drew attention to the adverse effects of toxic and dangerous products in the context of armed conflicts, including on soldiers. 1 2 E/CN.4/2004/46 and Corr.1, paras. 29−43. E/CN.4/2006/42.