UN resolution on the human rights of workers exposed to toxics

In Sept. 2019, the UN Human Rights Council called on States, business enterprises and other actors to implement the “Principles on human rights and the protection of workers from exposure to toxic substances” (A/HRC/42/41) developed by the Special Rapporteur on human rights and toxics.

The resolution by the Council also recognizes the duty of States to prevent “unsafe” exposures to toxic substances.

In addition, it also calls for:
– Strengthening the coherence between human rights and occupational health and safety standards;
– Safeguarding reproductive health in efforts to eliminate discrimination against women in employment; and
– Strengthening the global regime for chemicals management to promote human rights.