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¡Bienvenidos a nuestro blog de Derecho y Práctica de la Propiedad Intelectual en Latinoamérica!
Bem-vindo ao nosso blog sobre Direito e Prática de Propriedade Intelectual na América Latina!

Thursday 4 February 2010

Patricia Covarrubia

Are Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) a matter of Human Rights?

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In answering the question, it appears so. Mexican Rural communities together with Greenpeace accused the Mexican Government (specifically the SAGARPA, PROFEPA and the Attorney General’s office) before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

The action is brought against the government because according to Greenpeace, it has refused to investigate the contamination of local crops with transgenic maize in the Chihuahua State. In the same vein, it is believed that by the Government turning a blind eye into the situation, “it violates the rights of consumers and producers as well as their cultural rights”. It is also added that “it violates...the right to property and right to information”.

Back in 2007, GM maize was planted in the state of Chihuahua. The plaintiffs brought this issue to the attention of the General Attorney and up to today they have received no response.

Lack of legislation or lack of government?
According to the Law on Biosafety for GMOs, Article 70 and 72, provide protection for local maize(oops!, I think I just answered the question).

More info here, here and here.

Patricia Covarrubia

Patricia Covarrubia