Toxic Tanneries

The Health Repercussions of Bangladesh’s Hazaribagh Leather

Summary

Recommendations

Map of Hazaribagh

Methodology

I. Background

Hazaribagh’s Tanneries

Water, Soil, and Air Pollution

II. Findings

Hazaribagh: Beyond Reach of the Law

An Occupational Health and Safety Crisis

III. The Way Forward

Immediate Regulation of Tannery Pollution

Immediate Regulation of Working Conditions in Tanneries

Due Diligence by Buyers

Cleaning Up Hazaribagh

IV. Bangladesh’s Obligations Related to Human Rights and the Environment

Protecting Human Rights in the Context of Business Activity

Health

Water

Hazardous Child Labor

Acknowledgements

Annex 1: Correspondence with the Bangladeshi Government

Annex 2: Leather Processing