Seeking justice in poisoned lands : Voices of chlordecone victims in Martinique & Guadeloupe

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

From 1972 to 1993, Martinique and Guadeloupe were exposed to chlordecone, a pesticide used in banana cultivation, classified as a 'possible' carcinogen by the WHO since 1979 and banned in the United States four years earlier. This presentation focuses on the understudied effects of this contamination within the realm of social sciences, exploring victimization experiences among individuals in Martinique (N=15) and Guadeloupe (N=10), still affected by the pesticide. Interviews reveal impacts beyond physical health, including psychological burdens and a longing for justice. Victims advocate for recognition of the crime's colonial context and reparative measures, such as soil decontamination. The study advocates for transformative justice, prioritizing victims' perspectives and innovative approaches to address environmental crime. It underscores the necessity of tailored responses to meet victims' needs and acknowledges the disparity between community expectations and government measures. This research contributes to understanding victims' experiences and calls for justice approaches that transcend traditional legal frameworks. It highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness of environmental crimes' impact on marginalized communities globally.

Author

• Violette Prignac Merle, Université de Montréal