GLOBAL FRAMEWORK ON CHEMICALS

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Context: 

Delegates at a United Nations (UN) International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in the German city of Bonn adopted a new global framework to reduce environmental risks from chemicals and waste.

International Chemical Framework

It is a framework adopted at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in the German city of Bonn and builds on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).

The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which seeks to guarantee responsible chemical management by 2020, is expanded upon by the GFC. Since this objective was not met, a new framework was required.

Framework Structure

The GFC promotes a lifetime approach to chemical safety and covers the full lifecycle of chemicals, including manufacturing, use, and waste management.

Important Papers within the framework are:

Core Text: It summarizes the principal clauses and promises.

The Bonn Declaration: calls for an international commitment to combat chemical contamination.

Eleven Resolutions: These are the supplementary materials outlining particular campaigns and activities.

Phase-Out Target: 

All countries are specifically committed under the framework to phase out highly dangerous pesticides by 2035.

Structure for reducing the use of chemicals: 

By 2030, governments should create and put into effect measures aimed at reducing chemical pollution.

Financial Strategy: 

It will establish an integrated finance plan that prioritizes private sector involvement, specific external money, and mainstreaming chemical problems into development assistance.

Strategic Objectives

The GFC consists of five strategic goals, each with a deadline of 2030 to meet particular targets:

Legal Frameworks:

It stipulates how to set up institutional resources and legal frameworks for efficient chemical management.

Knowledge Generation:

It aims to ensure comprehensive knowledge and data accessibility related to chemical risks.

Issues of Concern:

It aims at the Identification and prioritization of critical chemical issues needing action.

Safer Alternatives:

It will promote sustainable and safer alternatives in various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare.

Enhanced Implementation:

It will assist in focused resource mobilization, partnerships, and capacity-building for effective implementation.

The Bonn Declaration

It was also adopted at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5).

The declaration recognizes the severe impacts of chemical pollution on health and the environment.

It commits to preventing exposure to harmful chemicals, phasing out dangerous substances, and upholding human rights.

Resolutions Adopted

Issues of concern:

Under the new framework, all previously identified Emerging Policy Issues (EPIs), such as the overuse of chemical fertilizers, will be designated as "issues of concern," with plans for further reporting and action.

Chemical Financing Resolution:

It will provide a methodical financing strategy that will involve the Quick Start Program's (QSP) continuation and the creation of a new Trust Fund.

Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides:

To phase out HHPs and promote safer farming methods, it will establish an international alliance.

Human rights and gender equality:

It will create a gender action plan to guarantee women's meaningful involvement in chemical management decision-making.

International Conference on Chemicals Management  It serves as a worldwide platform for governments and other relevant parties to discuss responsible handling of waste and chemicals. The Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) organise it every five years. The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), a voluntary framework that attempts to ensure the responsible management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle, is greatly aided by the efforts of the ICCM. Governments and other interested parties can also negotiate new international agreements on the management of particular chemicals and waste streams on the platform provided by the ICCM. The 5th session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) was organized by UNEP from 25 to 29 September 2023. It was hosted by the government of Germany, who holds the presidency of this fifth session of the Conference.

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Sources:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/delegates-at-un-bonn-summit-adopt-new-framework-to-reduce-risks-from-hazardous-chemicals-92055

https://www.chemicalsframework.org/

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements about the “International Chemical Framework” recently seen in the news:  It is a framework adopted at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in Bonn and builds on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). It covers only the manufacturing and use of chemical fertilisers. All countries are specifically committed under the framework to phase out highly dangerous pesticides by 2035. How many of the above statements is/are correct? A.Only one B.Only two C. All Three D.None Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is correct:  The International Chemical Framework is a framework adopted at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in the German city of Bonn and builds on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which seeks to guarantee responsible chemical management by 2020, is expanded upon by the GFC. Since this objective was not met, a new framework was required. Statement 2 is incorrect:  The GFC promotes a lifetime approach to chemical safety and covers the full lifecycle of chemicals, including manufacturing, use, and waste management. Statement 3 is correct:  Phase-Out Target: All countries are specifically committed under the framework to phase out highly dangerous pesticides by 2035. Structure for reducing the use of chemicals: By 2030, governments should create and put into effect measures aimed at reducing chemical pollution. Financial Strategy: It will establish an integrated finance plan that prioritizes private sector involvement, specific external money, and mainstreaming chemical problems into development assistance. Strategic Objectives The GFC consists of five strategic goals, each with a deadline of 2030 to meet particular targets: Legal Frameworks: It stipulates how to set up institutional resources and legal frameworks for efficient chemical management.