Law Has Failed SA In Biowatch/Monsanto Case

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
DR RUTH RABINOWITZ MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON HEALTH

April 23, 2007

The legal system is supposed to ensure that wrongdoers are punished, that the punishment fits the crime, that there is a sense of retribution for society and that the crime is discouraged in future.

In the ruling that Biowatch should pay Monsanto for a case that Monsanto joined voluntarily, and a case that was lost by the State and Monsanto, the outcome suggests that the law has not only failed the public of SA, but makes little sense.  The punishment hurts the aggrieved and innocent party, independent NGO's are discouraged from protecting the public, and Monsanto is encouraged to gag its opposition.

The GMO law gives protections in word that it does not afford in fact. The least the public should be entitled to is transparency, in the granting of licenses, the results of field trials and the overall management of the licensing process.

We are not only dealing with a money issue. It affects human, animal and the planet's health and future. Inadequate management of GMO's can result in transfer of dangerous genes into unintended species and development of super bugs and super weeds. These events relate to loss of biodiversity, lowered immunity, development of allergies, cancer and any number of diseases. The humans of today are an uncontrolled trial for the problems of tomorrow. We accept blandly that cancers are on the increase, that infections are becoming more virulent and resistant to antibiotics, that food is filled with chemicals and hormones and we spend millions finding solutions to our health problems, rather than correcting problems with our food.

The alternative is to observe the Precautionary principle, by keeping a paper trail of events from seed to table and giving public watch dogs access to information. Activists who abuse the available knowledge are liable for prosecution and fear of their abuse is no excuse for secrecy.

Anyone concerned about theirs and their family's future, should protest the outcome of the court case that ordered Biowatch to pay Monsanto's costs and watch with care and concern, the results of the appeal. It is also significant to note that the views of the majority of legislator's on GMOs is in strong contrast to those of the executive, yet at all times the executive has prevailed. This is yet another example of the rubber stamping of parliament.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr Ruth Rabinowitz M.P (MB BCh)
JHB
Tel: 011 802 1826
Fax: 011 804 4221
C.T:
Tel: 021 403 3061
Fax: 021 403 3334
Cell: 082 579 3698
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470