Stockholm
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
(Stockholm, 22 May 2001)
The
Stockholm Convention is a global treaty that aims at protecting human health and
the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). POPs are
chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely
distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms
and are toxic to humans and wildlife. This Convention provides
opportunities for international cooperation in the reduction of POPs emissions
and, if possible, in their elimination.
KEY PROVISIONS
States are obliged to take
measures to reduce or eliminate the release of POPs from intentional production
and use by prohibiting and/or taking the legal and administrative measures
necessary to eliminate the production and use as well as the import and export
of specified POPs; restricting the production and use of specified POPs; and
restricting the importation and exportation of specified POPs for certain
purposes.
Parties maintaining specific exemptions or having an acceptable purpose
shall take appropriate measures to ensure that any production or use under such
exemption or purpose is carried out in a manner that prevents or minimizes human
exposure and release of POPs into the environment.
Parties shall take prescribed measures to reduce or eliminate releases
from unintentional production, including the development of an action plan,
promotion of the development of
substitute or modified materials, products and processes, and the promotion of
the use of the best available techniques and the best environmental practices.
Parties
are also under an obligation to take measures to reduce or eliminate releases of
POPs from stockpiles and wastes. Parties
are required to manage stockpiles in a safe, efficient and environmentally sound
manner.
It is incumbent upon each Party to develop a plan for the implementation
of its obligations under the Convention. For
purposes of its implementation plan, Parties are obliged to cooperate with
global, regional and sub regional organizations.
Parties are also obliged to
facilitate the exchange of information concerning alternatives to POPs, and the
reduction or elimination of the production, use and release of POPs.
Parties are further obliged to promote awareness; develop and implement
educational and public awareness programmes;
encourage appropriate research, development, monitoring and cooperation
pertaining to POPs at the national and international levels; and provide
technical assistance, financial resources and mechanisms.
ENTRY INTO FORCE
The Convention is not yet in
force. The Convention shall enter into force on the ninetieth day after
the date of deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession.
HOW TO BECOME A PARTY
The Convention closed for
signature on 22 May 2002. It is
subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by States and by regional
economic integration organizations. It
is open for accession by States and by regional economic integration
organizations from the day after the date on which it is closed for signature.
OPTIONAL AND/OR MANDATORY DECLARATIONS
When ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to the Convention, or at
any time thereafter, a Party that is not a regional economic integration
organization may declare in a written instrument submitted to the depositary
that, with respect to any dispute concerning the interpretation or application
of the Convention, it recognizes one or both of the following as compulsory in
relation to any Party accepting the same obligation: arbitration in accordance
with procedures to be adopted by the Conference of the Parties and/or submission
of the dispute to the International Court of Justice.
A Party that is a regional economic
integration organization may make a declaration with like effect in relation to
arbitration in accordance with the procedure referred to above.
In its instrument of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession, a regional economic integration organization
shall declare the extent of its competencies in respect of matters governed by
this Convention.
In its instrument of ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession, any Party may declare that, with respect to
it, any amendment to Annex A, B or C shall enter into force only upon the
deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
RESERVATIONS
No reservation may be made to
the Convention.
WITHDRAWAL/DENUNCIATION
At any time after three years from the date on which this Convention
has entered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from the Convention
by giving written notification to the depositary. Any such withdrawal shall take
effect upon the expiry of one year from the date of receipt by the depositary of
the notification of withdrawal or on such later date as may be specified in the
notification of withdrawal.
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