'Strong' evidence linking toxic ship to ICoast deaths: UN expert

A UN expert has found "strong" evidence linking at least 15 deaths and several hospitalisations to pollution from a ship that dumped toxic waste in Ivory Coast, contrary to claims from the firm that chartered the ship.

"This report finds that there is strong prima facie evidence that human rights violations occurred as a result of this incident," Okechukwu Ibeanu, who is the UN special rapporteur on the issue, told reporters in Geneva.

"Indeed, there is a strong basis to conclude that the deaths and illnesses were directly and indirectly linked to the dumping waste," he added.

In August 2006, the Probo Koala ship, chartered by Trafigura, dumped deadly caustic soda and petroleum residues on city waste tips in Abidjan in Ivory Coast -- having first attempted to offload the cargo in Amsterdam.

Trafigura, an oil trading firm, has already paid a one hundred billion CFA francs (152 million euros) in damages to the victims of the toxic poisoning in Ivory Coast in an out-of-court deal with the Ivory Coast government which exempts it from legal proceedings in that country.

A lawyer for victims taking legal action in Britain, where Trafigura has offices, said on Wednesday that the company had offered a global settlement which "is likely to be acceptable to most, if not all, of the claimants."

The Dutch multinational firm had reiterated that it was not responsible for deaths or serious injuries from the dumping, and has not admitted liability.

Court proceedings are ongoing in the Netherlands, with hearings scheduled for 2010.

Environmental group Greenpeace meanwhile asked a Dutch judge Thursday to order prosecutors to broaden the probe beyond the Netherlands, a court spokesman said. A decision should be taken within two months.

The special UN rapporteur noted that Trafigura had provided information saying that the waste may have resulted in an unpleasant smell, but "could not have led to the widespread injuries, illnesses and deaths alleged."

However, Ibeanu said his investigation into the case showed otherwise.

"Residents in areas close to the dumping sites were directly exposed to the waste through skin contact and breathing of the volatile substances," he said.

"In addition, secondary exposure reportedly occurred through contact with surface water, groundwater and eventually through consumption of foods grown or extracted from contaminated land and water."

He stressed that it is "not a coincidence that thousands of people have been ill after the dumping."

Before the ship and its toxic cargo headed for Abidjan, an attempt to unload the Probo Koala was stopped halfway through in Amsterdam.

The waste was pumped back into the ship by waste disposal company APS after APS claimed the waste was more toxic than expected and quoted a higher price for its disposal.

Ibeanu also urged the Netherlands to "continue to provide support" to the Ivory Coast government to enable it to monitor and address the long-term human health and environmental effects of the incident.

Groups in Ivory Coast representing alleged victims of toxic waste dumped by a ship said Thursday moves to pay compensation by Trafigura amounted to an admission of guilt.

The company offered 750,000 francs CFA (1,150 euros, 1,700 dollars) for each victim, said Claude Gohourou, president of the national committee for toxic waste victims.

"Guilt can become clear through compensation," he added.

But Rachel Gogoua, the head of the victims association of Akouedo, found that the offer was "insignificant," noting that the victims originally asked for 3,000 euros each.