GoodElectronics’ Input for the Special Rapporteur: Gender and Toxic - By Jeroen Merk, on behalf of GoodElectronics

Since its inception in 2006, the GoodElectronics Network has spearheaded efforts to push state actors and corporations in the electronics industry towards respecting workers' human rights to safe and healthy working environments throughout the entire lifecycle of these products, from mining and manufacturing to electronic waste disposal.1 Central to this mission is the prevention of exposure to ha. [...] The South Korean advocacy group SHARPS, a member of GoodElectronics, has been at the forefront of exposing the dire health consequences of toxic chemicals in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, with a particular focus on the industry giant, Samsung. [...] We were told how to perform the task, but the chemicals and their effect on the body, that was not included in the orientation. [...] For example, a report by Swedwatch on the employment of hazardous chemicals in the ICT manufacturing sector in the Philippines includes a statement from a worker, highlighting the dismissive attitude towards safety concerns: If we want to know whether the chemicals are dangerous the manager asks us if we want the job or not. [...] The rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are critical to safeguarding workers' interests and rights, and they are inseparable from the right to safe and healthy work.