Communities in the Amazon, Africa, and Asia are being poisoned as mercury contaminates rivers and food sources. Indigenous leaders at COP-6 demanded action, but governments delayed once again.

“Eight years after entering into force, the convention should signal a stronger commitment to prioritizing health over gold,” said Yuyun Ismawati.

With a focus on the human rights of groups in vulnerable situations, especially women, children, and Indigenous Peoples, this event will highlight urgent health impacts of mercury, explore strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and share guidance to strengthen health systems.

A new report by PAN, Coming Clean, and Alianza Nacional de Campesinas reveals that U.S. purchases, largely from Chinese-owned Syngenta, are sustaining global demand for a toxic chemical with shrinking markets abroad.