Australian Officials have been warned.

I sent the following letter to the people not following the law on the 26th April 2025.

DVA Minister, Health Minister, Defence Department. Federal Member, Commonwealth Ombudsman, Sons & Daughters DVA.

Recognition of Second-Generation Harm from TCDD Exposure as a Human Rights Issue

Dear Officials 

I am writing to emphasize that the United Nations already recognizes that toxic exposures — including dioxin/TCDD from Agent Orange — are a serious human rights issue, particularly when they affect children and marginalized groups.

Toxic chemical exposure is not simply a health concern; it is a violation of internationally protected human rights when governments fail to prevent, recognize, or provide remedy for the harm caused. The UN has consistently made it clear through the Human Rights Council, Special Rapporteurs, and treaty bodies that individuals have a right to health, life, and non-discrimination, and that governments must act to prevent and address harm caused by toxic pollutants.

Specifically:

• The UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights has identified exposure to persistent organic pollutants like dioxins as a human rights violation.

• The Committee on the Rights of the Child requires governments to protect children from toxic environmental hazards and provide remedy when harm occurs — including second-generation harm.

• These obligations exist under instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), both of which Australia has ratified and is legally bound to uphold.

It is important to note that domestic legislation or administrative policy cannot override these international human rights obligations. Australia’s current refusal to recognize and assist second-generation survivors of TCDD exposure is a breach of these binding international commitments.

Furthermore, my situation is not an isolated case. It is part of a broader global pattern of second-generation survivors seeking recognition and remedy for inherited harm caused by toxic exposures. This is an issue the United Nations is actively monitoring.

I respectfully urge you to acknowledge Australia’s obligations under international law and to ensure that second-generation survivors are treated in accordance with these binding human rights standards.

Kind regards,

Danielle