International

The motion recently adopted by the European Parliament on the health risks of working with asbestos and the need to remove all remaining asbestos materials reminds us of the sad fact that each year within the EU between 20,000 and 30,000 victims of asbestos are mourned. The motion also draws attention to the position of asbestos victims and their organisations. Particular mention is made of the stunning verdict of the Turin court, which on 13th February, 2012, condemned the owners of asbestos cement factories to long prison sentences, thus demonstrating that asbestos victims could, via the criminal law, receive recognition and satisfaction.