Dear Friends,Today, Dec 3rd, 2009, marks the 25th Anniversary of the World's Worst Chemical Disaster in Bhopal, India, where noxious white clouds of methyl isocyanate gas killed thousands within days of the incident. More than two decades on, Hospital records show that 20,000 people died and almost 600,000 people were left with irreparable physical damage but Justice was not served yet.Survivors and supporters mark the 25th anniversary of the Bhopal industrial disaster today with demands that the people responsible for tens of thousands of deaths be finally brought to justice. Survivors are also fighting for their basic rights: Clean drinking water and healthy living environment which is still elusive to get from the Indian Government. Nearly 200 direct actions is taking place today around the World – for Bhopal, and for a toxic-free future everywhere – and we request you to join in and take action.Today we request you to Read and sign Resolution of Remembrance (text below): We shall never forget the thousands of people who were killed, directly and indirectly injured, and those who continue to be affected by the consequences of the worst industrial event to ever affect humanity and We demand justice for the victims and survivors of Bhopal among others.We request that you spread the message far and wide and join hands to ensure that 'No More Bhopal' happens anywhere in the world.More information:________________________________________________________________________________________________Resolution of Remembrance
Bhopal Remembered on the 25th Anniversary of the World's Worst Chemical Disaster
Atlanta Area Human Rights Groups Unite in Remembrance
on the 25th Anniversary of the Bhopal Disaster, December 3rd, 2009WHEREAS, On December 3rd 1984, several tons of Methyl iscocyanate (MIC) and other poisonous gases leaked from the Union Carbide facility in Bhopal exposing more than 500,000 people to the chemicals.
WHEREAS, Estimates of those who died within the first week of the disaster range from 3,800 to 8,000. The continued effects of the exposure have resulted in 20,000-25,000 deaths in the last 25 years.
WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of people, families and children still suffer from the exposure today.
WHEREAS, Tons of hazardous chemicals that Union Carbide left around its facility have seeped into the ground and local drinking water. Even today, the site is said to be contaminated by "thousands of metric tons of toxic chemicals including lead and mercury."
WHEREAS, Compensation for victims families and health services to the survivors are shameful and inadequate and do not represent a just outcome of the negligence of Union Carbide.
WHEREAS, Dow Chemical acquired Union Carbide in 2001 and refuses to take the responsibilities of Carbide's liabilities in Bhopal, including the clean-up of the contamination and effects of the ongoing exposure to the contamination.
WHEREAS, An outstanding warrant and criminal charges are still pending against the former CEO of Union Carbide, Warren Anderson, and former Union Carbide India Limited employees.
WHEREAS, We recognize that many strides have been made and the disaster in Bhopal has not been forgotten due to pressures from the survivors, their supporters and activits in Bhopal.
WHEREAS, We are in awe of the courage and perseverance of the survivors and activists who continue to be dedicated to the cause of justice in Bhopal and keep the focus on the people suffering from this continuing disaster. Their struggles, marches, fasts and tours that have also brought survivors to Atlanta on two occasions, continue to inspire us.
WHEREAS, We also recognize that tangible efforts to bring justice are needed to begin to reconcile the events of 25 years ago and since, and is a necessary step toward healing.
WHEREAS, Reconciliation can come only when Justice is achieved.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
We shall never forget the thousands of people who were killed, directly and indirectly injured, and those who continue to be affected by the consequences of the worst industrial event to ever affect humanity.
We remember with reverence all who have sought justice for the last 25 years.
We demand justice for the victims and survivors of Bhopal.
We call for the demands of the victims to be met by the corporation (Dow Chemical/Union Carbide) that is responsible for the disaster without any hindrance from the US or Indian government.
We call for the demands of the victims to be met by the local and national Indian government, including their right to land and water free of contamination.
We call for all governments to implement and have the right to implement effective mechanisms to protect humanity from the potential of such a disaster by implementing unequivocal laws that prohibit exposing communities to dangers presented by industrial (global or local) production of materials and energy.
We demand that the accountability of global corporations must extend globally.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, we shall be mindful that justice, reconciliation, and healing of those affected shall be our overall humanitarian goal.
--Sonika"We're not even handed. We have our own agenda - that of political engagement... to put an end to the structural violence that keeps the poor poor." - Binayak SenOrder 2010 calendars at
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