INDIGENOUS MOTHERS AGAINST MERCURY

We, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and daughters of indigenous people, who give life and take care of our current and future generations of children, we are united in our deep concern over the pollution of our environment by mercury, a neurotoxic heavy metal. We know that mercury is released into the environment and in our territories through coal-fired power centers, historic gold mines and current medical waste and other sources.

Mercury contaminates our air, water, land and traditional foods, including fish which many indigenous communities depend, causing serious health effects for people of all ages. But the greatest danger is to the health and development of our children. Exposure to mercury affects the neurological development of our infants, babies and children, including those who are still in the womb.

This violates our human rights to health, cultural practices, our rights enshrined in the Treaties, our livelihood, children's rights and our right to Free Prior and Informed recognized by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other international instruments and Human Rights.

For these reasons, we recognize the importance of the ongoing negotiations within the United Nations Programme on Environment, which seek to develop a binding international treaty banning the release of mercury into the environment. However, we must ensure that the full participation of indigenous peoples, including indigenous women, taking part in this process, and that states adopt and implement an international treaty that is strong and effective.

We call to take a firm stance to develop a "Global Mercury Treaty, as well as national policies and international:

1. Stop mercury emissions from all sources to the environment, including the burning of coal, gold mines current and historical production and disposal of mercury-containing medical products.

2. Assume a compromise which allows the cleaning of existing pollution sources, including abandoned mines, working in full partnership with indigenous peoples when their lands, waters, sacred places and subsistence foods are affected.

3. Ensure the full, effective formal and indigenous peoples, including Indigenous women in the development of a Global Mercury Treaty and the measures to implement its provisions at the national, regional and local levels.

The lives of our children and our future are at stake and dependent on the decisions you are taking. We pray that the Creator guide your steps and decisions on this vital issue.

Join us with your signature for to support this cause in this site:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/madres-indigenas-contra-mercurio/