The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, this morning commended Dr Marcos Orellana, UN Special Rapporteur on Toxins and Human Rights, on his successful visit to South Africa from 31 July – 11 August 2023.
Welcoming the outcome of Dr Orellana’s visit, Minister Creecy urged the United Nations to support South Africa’s journey from environmental racism to sustainable development and realization of the human rights contained in Section 24 of the Constitution.
“We look forward to the outcome of the report and hope that the Special Rapporteur will continue to support South Africa in its quest to improve environmental management and the realization of environmental rights,” said Minister Creecy.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment had arranged for Dr Orellana to hold widespread discussions on the problem of chemicals and hazardous waste with government, business, civil society and organised labour. Dr Orellana also conducted site visits.
The Minister emphasised the importance for developing countries to receive technological transfer, technical assistance, and financial assistance to make a safe environment a reality. “Rapid urbanization, industrialization and immigration, combined with fiscal challenges, have negatively impacted on government’s ability to effectively manage environmental challenges,” the Minister said.
Dr Orellana will present a report on his visit and his findings and recommendations to the Human Rights Council in September 2024.
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