Response to Syngenta
In reference to Syngenta’s response, dated October 9th 2015, to the Ad-Hoc Monitoring Report [...] we wish to make the following comments... Syngenta states that they comply with local legislation... However, [...] the main focus of our report is compliance with the FAO/WHO Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management. It is evident that in order for Syngenta to fulfill its responsibilities with regard to human rights as well as to comply with the Code of Conduct, complying with national law is often insufficient... Syngenta’s worker safety program ignores the most effective methods for improving safety. It appears that the company does not want to reduce its pesticide sales, nor does it want to replace its highly hazardous pesticides... We welcome Syngenta's intention to take appropriate action to meet its commitments; however verification of appropriate action can only occur with transparency. We therefore urge Syngenta to publicly provide information on which topics, and by when, action will be taken and to publicly communicate the resolution of the reported shortcomings.