Groundbreaking Mercury Treaty Takes Effect

(Geneva) – The United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury, which went into effect on August 16, 2017, could benefit millions of people affected by toxic mercury, Human Rights Watch said today. Under the treaty, governments are obligated to protect their citizens from the harmful effects of mercury and to put in place controls in polluting industries, such as artisanal and small-scale gold mining and coal-fired power plants. Mercury, a shiny liquid metal, attacks the central nervous system, can result in lifelong disability, and is very harmful to children. It can be lethal in higher doses.
Human Rights Watch has done extensive research and multimedia work on the use of mercury and child labor in small-scale gold mining. 
For access to stills and footage on this subject, please see: 
Philippines: Children Risk Death to Dig and Dive For Gold
Ghana: Child Labor Fuels Gold Supply Chain
Tanzania: Hazardous Life of Child Gold Miners
Ghana: Mine Accident Highlights Risk to Children