Sunday, November 9, 2014

Justice for Bhopal survivors: 30 years is too long to wait

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Justice for Bhopal 
survivors: 
30 years is too 
long to wait
 
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On December 3, 1984, a toxic gas wrought with deadly chemicals leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. It was one of the world's most devastating industrial disasters.

Rampyari Bai's daughter-in-law and unborn grandchild died after being exposed to the gas - along with up to 10,000 other people in just three days. Hundreds of thousands of people still struggle with related long-term health issues today.

Survivors of the disaster are still struggling for justice nearly three decades later. The film Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain tells their stories.

Urge Union Carbide's parent company, Dow Chemical, to accept responsibility for the ongoing impact of the disaster on survivors.
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Dear Tracy,

As an actress, I hear a lot of stories. I think this one is especially important for you to hear, too.

On December 3, 1984, nearly 30 years ago, Rampyari Bai's daughter-in-law was seven months pregnant.

Neither her grandchild nor her daughter-in-law would survive the labor.

That night, a toxic gas wrought with deadly chemicals leaked from a Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. It was one of the world's most devastating industrial disasters.

Demand that Dow Chemical ensures that their subsidiary, Union Carbide, responds to outstanding criminal charges linked to the leak.

Rampyari Bai's daughter-in-law went into sudden labor. She and her baby died in the hospital soon afterwards. Between 7,000 and 10,000 people died within three days of the leak.

I was introduced to Rampyari's story while filming A Prayer for Rain. In it, we trace the lives of some of those living in Bhopal during the lead-up to the disaster and tell the stories of how their lives are still impacted by it today.

Though it's been almost 30 years, this remains a pressing issue. To date, more than 20,000 people are estimated to have died as a result of the leak; hundreds of thousands suffer from ongoing health problems. Rampyari herself has struggled with cancer.

Demand justice for survivors of this disaster.

Survivors of the gas leak have never received adequate compensation to cover the full extent of their injuries.

Many have been driven deeper into poverty, yet the companies involved have never been held fully accountable. Together, we can work to change this.

Tell Dow Chemical to ensure that Union Carbide respect India's justice system and comply with criminal summons to appear in court.

Let's force an end to the suffering and seek justice in Bhopal.

30 years is too long.

Nazanin BoniadiIn solidarity,
Mischa Barton
Actress in Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain and human rights defender

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