Many countries, non-governmental organizations, and concerned scientists are demanding a strong treaty that supports language to eliminate the production of these chemicals. The US has been taking a position for language of reduction with a number of loopholes and exemptions. These chemicals, including dioxin cannot be managed or controlled. There is no middle ground, this is too serious of a matter that affects the health of our future generation. We demand environmental justice.
POPs tend to migrate towards colder regions of the north.
POPs are trapped by the cold air and accumulate in the fat tissues of animals such as fish, seals, polar bears and human populations that live in the colder arctic regions. In some parts of the arctic, Alaska Natives are exposed to levels of POPs that exceed established standards for consumption. IEN will be taking to the meeting, over 40 tribal governmental and intertribal resolutions supporting the elimination of POPs. Last year at the National Congress of American Indian convention, over 250 tribes approved a NCAI resolution supporting the elimination of POPs and requesting for tribes to be consulted by the US Department of State on this international treaty. At the eleventh hour, during the past month, the Department of State attempted to have consultation with tribes in the Great Lakes and Alaska region on the POPs treaty.