The Bhopal Disaster 34 years later - Screening of Bhopali and Discussion | SOAS University of London
Channel: SOAS University of London
Date: 2019-01-21

This seminar titled "The Bhopal Disaster 34 years later - Screening of Bhopali and Discussion" was given by Tim Edwards at the LEDC, SOAS University of London on 6 December 2018. Find out more at http://bit.ly/2FPcEi4
On the 2nd December 1984, a gas leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India caused the world’s worst industrial disaster. The gas leaked killed thousands immediately and have subsequently lead to the death of over 20,000 people and injury and harm to over 500,000.  The resultant groundwater contamination and other environmental risks pose a continued further disaster for local people. 

Litigation for corporate responsibility against Union Carbide and its successor Dow Chemicals is an active battleground for justice. As recent as this year, survivors of the disaster have had their petitions dismissed by Courts. Inadequate out of court settlements, dilution of charges, quashing of future litigation, and arguments about jurisdiction have resulted in a litigation process that has often aggravated and accentuated the agony of victims. On the other hand, people’s movement and civil society groups have fought back and maintained pressure for nearly three decades through international campaigning, continuous litigation and political pressure on Dow Chemical. 

Join us for the documentary ‘Bhopali’ which highlights the fight for justice and corporate responsibility, followed by a discussion with Tim Edwards, focusing on the questions of the adequacy of the law to address issues of justice in Bhopal. 

Tim Edwards cycled to Bhopal in 1999, and has advocated for Bhopal survivors ever since.  He’s a spokesman for the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, a coalition of Bhopal survivor groups. He is also a trustee of the Bhopal Medical Appeal, which funds two clinics in Bhopal offering free, first-class healthcare to people affected by the 1984 Bhopal Gas Disaster and the toxic pollution of the city’s drinking water.