Special Rapporteur
- agentorangechild
- May 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Urgent Request for Action on Second-Generation Harm from TCDD (Agent Orange) Exposure
9th May 2025
Subject: Urgent Request for Action on Second-Generation Harm from TCDD (Agent Orange) Exposure
Dear Special Rapporteur,
I am writing to request your urgent attention to the ongoing issue of second-generation harm caused by exposure to TCDD (Agent Orange). As a person directly affected by this toxic chemical, I seek your support to investigate the violations of human rights and the Australian government’s failure to provide appropriate care and recognition for those impacted.
Background:
I am one of the individuals affected by the health consequences of TCDD exposure, which has led to peripheral neuropathy and significant spinal issues, among other health conditions. These conditions, many of which have been present since birth, are consistent with the well-documented intergenerational effects of Agent Orange exposure, yet the Australian government has refused to acknowledge these impacts.
International law, including the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), requires Australia to take appropriate action to prevent harm from TCDD and provide support to those already exposed. Despite clear scientific evidence linking TCDD to long-term health problems, the government has failed to take responsibility for the health of those impacted by this exposure, including children and grandchildren of Vietnam War veterans.
UN Warnings:
The United Nations has issued eight warnings to Australia regarding its failure to address the needs of second-generation victims of Agent Orange exposure. These warnings include:
April 2011 - CRPD: Urged Australia to address the needs of children affected by toxic chemicals.
February 2016 - CRC: Recommended Australia recognize the impacts of Agent Orange exposure on future generations.
March 2017 - CESCR: Called for recognition of health and disability impacts.
July 2018 - UN Special Rapporteur: Addressed the failure to recognize second-generation victims.
April 2019 - Human Rights Committee: Highlighted discriminatory policies.
October 2020 - CERD: Urged action to address intergenerational impacts of Agent Orange exposure.
November 2020 - Human Rights Council: Called for an investigation into systemic health harms.
March 2021 - Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Called on Australia to address second-generation disabilities caused by Agent Orange.
Double Standards:
Australia’s hypocrisy is clear. The government imposed a $100 million fine on Orica for hazardous chemical leaks, yet it continues to ignore the far greater harm caused by TCDD exposure, which is up to 50 times more toxic than hexachlorobenzene (HCB), the chemical involved in the Orica case.
Action Required:
I respectfully request your office to investigate the failure of the Australian government to address the health impacts of TCDD exposure, particularly for second-generation victims like myself who suffer from peripheral neuropathy and spinal issues. I urge you to take immediate action to ensure that those affected are provided the care and support they are legally entitled to.
My website is designed as a direct reference to my health conditions and the avenues I am pursuing to hold the Australian government accountable. I have included relevant documentation regarding my case, including medical records, reports, and the ongoing denial of care and recognition for those affected.
Thank you for your consideration and for the vital work you do. I trust that you will give this matter the attention it deserves.
Warm Agent Orange Burns regards,
Danielle Stevens
Ph 61411838313
We will always be a child of a Vietnam Veteran.
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