The UN is finalising a draft declaration on special rights for indigenous people, but this is being opposed by some governments.

National constitutions have rarely established environmental rights as human rights, but an increasing number recognise the right to a healthy environment and have provisions directed at environmental protection:

Small is not always beautiful: Small-scale industries in India account for only 35 per cent of the country"s industrial production, but their share of pollution is a whopping 65 per cent.

About 11 million people in Orissa and Bihar have become victims of a famine that has occurred despite adequate food stocks in the country.

A group of industrialists in Andhra Pradesh blaze a new trail in the treatment of effluents.

Although 16 cases of children being sold have been reported, the Orissa government refuses to even acknowledge the problem.

Environmentalists fear India's liberalisation policies will lead to the growth of the small scale dyestuff industry, which is a heavy polluter.

Under pressure from transnationals, the Bangladesh government is likely to ease restrictions on producing and importing medicines.

A visit to a Dhaka clinic provides a good idea of the extent to which drugs can help.

If pharmaceutical companies concentrate on manufacturing and selling essential drugs, business needs and health requirements can be met.