United Nations special rapporteurs have formally written to the French government, Arkema France, and Daikin Chemicals, accusing them of “violating several human rights” of residents in the so-called Vallée de la chimie (Chemical Valley) south of Lyon. The letter, sent by the independent UN experts, focuses on long‑standing pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — highly persistent synthetic chemicals often dubbed “forever chemicals” — in the region’s air, water, and soil.

The pollution was first brought to wide public attention by a 2022 investigative report, which documented extensive PFAS contamination stemming from the activities of industrial sites in the area. Arkema, Daikin, and other chemical manufacturers have operated there for decades, producing fluoropolymers and other PFAS-based materials used in non‑stick coatings, firefighting foams, and countless industrial applications. Residents and local environmental groups have long complained of health issues and insufficient oversight.

While the exact content of the UN rapporteurs’ letter has not been made public, its transmission signals that the experts believe the state and the companies may have failed to protect fundamental rights — such as the right to health, a clean environment, and access to information. By issuing this communication, the UN procedure opens the door to formal dialogue, requests for responses, and potentially further investigation by international human rights bodies.

The move places additional pressure on French authorities and the chemical industry, which already face mounting litigation, stricter EU regulation, and a broad debate over who should bear the costs of PFAS remediation. It also highlights the growing role of international human rights mechanisms in holding both governments and corporations accountable for environmental health crises.

L’État français, ainsi que les entreprises Arkema France et Daikin Chemicals, sont visés par un courrier émanant des rapporteurs Spéciaux des Nations Unies. Tous se voient reprocher « la violation de plusieurs droits humains » des habitants de la Vallée de la chimie sur le dossier de la pollution aux perfluorés (PFAS), révélé par une enquête journalistique en 2022.