Mediation fails to solve dispute over Syngenta insecticide in India
An attempt to mediate a dispute between crop science company Syngenta and a group of NGOs over the sale of an insecticide in India has acrimoniously collapsed.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Português
pt
Mediação não resolve disputa sobre inseticida Syngenta na Índia
Both parties blamed each other for failing to make progress on resolving claims that Syngenta’s Polo insecticide presents a serious health hazard to farmers.
The mediation was conducted by the Swiss National Contact Point (NCP) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Bern.
But on Thursday arbitrators said talks had collapsed, mainly resulting from disagreements connected to a separate civil action filed with a Basel court.
A farmer from the Yavatmal region of India and the widows of two deceased farm workers have filed compensation claims with the court.
The court case reduced the scope of the mediation process. NCP mediators felt that determining whether the Polo insecticide had poisoned farmers could prejudice these ongoing proceedings.
‘Shortcomings’ and ‘no meaningful dialogue’
Public Eye complained that the failed mediation was a violation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and that its calls to protect the future health of farmers have gone unanswered.
“The NCP procedure as applied in Switzerland today once again demonstrates the shortcomings of this non-judicial mechanism that relies entirely on the goodwill of corporations and falls short of providing remedy for victims of human rights abuses,” the NGO stated.
Syngenta said it regretted there had been “no meaningful dialogue” with NGOs during the arbitration process. The company said its proposals of “constructive, forward-looking measures”, such an audit of its Indian operations and training for farmers, had been ignored as “the NGOs focused solely on retroactive claims for damages”.
“Mediation can have a chance of success only if both parties have a fundamental interest in reaching an amicable solution and do not seek to use the process exclusively for other purposes,” the company added.
Study: high pollen concentrations increase blood pressure
This content was published on
A high concentration of pollen can increase blood pressure in allergy sufferers, according to a Swiss study. The effect is much more pronounced in women and people who are overweight.
New asylum regulations come into effect in Switzerland
This content was published on
Several asylum-related changes come into effect in Switzerland on June 1 aimed at improving the employment and housing situations of refugees.
Swiss unions call for CHF5,000 monthly salary for qualified apprentices
This content was published on
All workers who have completed an apprenticeship should earn at least CHF5,000 per month, the Swiss Trade Union Federation said on Friday.
Flooding risks in parts of Switzerland and Germany after heavy rains
This content was published on
There is a significant risk of flooding on the River Rhine from Lake Constance to Basel and on the Thur River in canton Thurgau in eastern Switzerland.
Switzerland to intensify border checks during sporting events
This content was published on
In the context of events including the European Football Championships and the summer Olympics, border security will be increased.
Integration of Credit Suisse into UBS now complete
This content was published on
Credit Suisse AG was formally integrated into UBS AG on Friday, with the former being subsequently deleted from Canton Zurich's commercial register.
Swiss-made pesticide blamed for farmer deaths in India
This content was published on
The NGO Public Eye has accused chemical firm Syngenta of exporting banned pesticides that it blames for the death of cotton farmers in India.
This content was published on
A UN representative is demanding action following reports that Swiss crop science company Syngenta is selling highly hazardous pesticides abroad.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.