In Geneva, Switzerland, on September 24, Sai Sampath Mettu, CEO of the ECO FAWN Society, called on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to act fast against invasive alien weeds. These aggressive plants are invading farmlands worldwide, harming agriculture, ecosystems, and the daily lives of rural farmers.
Speaking at the 60th UNHRC session during an interactive dialogue on peasants’ rights, Mettu highlighted how these weeds spread quickly. They damage soil, cut crop yields, and wipe out biodiversity, leaving farmers struggling to feed their families and keep their businesses afloat. He stressed that this crisis hits hard on basic human rights—like the right to food, a healthy environment, and sustainable work—for peasants everywhere.
Mettu didn’t stop at warnings. He pushed the UN to step up with real solutions, including setting up global funds to fight the spread of invasive alien weeds. He also suggested creating a special UN role to track and report on how these invasive species affect human rights.
The ECO FAWN Society went further, proposing a full “Decade of Action on Invasive Alien Weeds.” They want this effort woven into reviews of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and even older Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to make sure no one ignores the problem.
“It’s not just a choice—it’s a must for the world to tackle this,” Mettu said, underscoring how quick action could protect rural livelihoods, boost food security, and keep ecosystems thriving.
His speech has sparked fresh calls for global teamwork to battle invasive alien weeds and safeguard vulnerable communities from this growing threat.
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