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The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a global policy framework which aims to protect human health and the environment from the unsound management of chemicals and waste. Since its inception in 2006, the voluntary and multisectoral and multistakeholder nature of SAICM has been viewed as one of its core strengths. SAICM provided a space for government and non-government actors alike to discuss and deliberate on the management of chemicals and waste.A key obstacle that has been limiting

This document has been developed as part of a project to accelerate progress towards the establishment of legally binding controls on the manufacture, sale, distribution, import and use of lead paint in countries, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by the Secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). It is a contribution to the work of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (the Lead Paint Alliance). The Lead Paint Alliance is a voluntary

Adverse effects of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) on people and the environment have been a global concern for many years. In 2006, this was clearly expressed by the FAO Council when it recommended a progressive ban on HHPs. The concern crystallized at UNEP’s Fourth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4) in Nairobi in 2012, with the submission of a conference room paper supported by at least 65 countries and organizations. The proposed resolution included supporting “a progressive ban on HHPs

Global trade in illegal pesticides has been steadily growing in recent years, posing serious threats to agriculture, the environment, human health, and the economy. Evidence of this trend can be found in the increasing number of seizures of counterfeit, fake, and unauthorised pesticides, as well as their growing share in the global pesticide market. This paper identifies the main drivers and enablers of this illicit trade, and explores the potential of digital technologies, such as blockchain, to support policies to

The report examines the class approach for PFAS as it applies to the textile sector, which covers a wide variety of consumer products and connects two important issues covered in the SAICM context. The textile sector is an appropriate choice given the environmental significance of the sector and the scope of PFAS used within it. Both the quantity of PFAS in use and the variety of uses make this sector a priority for action. Furthermore, the nature of the sector—with

Lead is a toxic metal whose widespread use has caused extensive environmental contamination and health problems in many parts of the world. Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems, including the neurological, haematological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and renal systems. Long-term effects include increased risk of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and renal disease. Children are particularly vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of lead, and even low levels of exposure can impair cognitive development and cause behavioural disorders. These

“The vast majority of human health costs linked to chemicals production, consumption, and disposal are not borne by chemicals producers, nor shared down the value-chain.” GCO-IThis policy brief draws from and complements: ‘Review of cost recovery mechanisms and other economic instruments for financing of the sound management of chemicals and waste’ (SAICM/IP.4/7). With the Beyond 2020 framework for chemicals and waste under deliberation, and key outcomes expected at the fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in

“Gender mainstreaming” is defined as a strategy for making both men and women’s concerns and experiences an integral part of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres.In practice, gender mainstreaming supports the contribution of men and women to society equally, through policies and programmes that address their specific needs. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda aim to address inequalities among all population groups, especially women, children, and the impoverished. Directly addressing the links between

A request was made at the first intersessional meeting for information on the relationship between women and chemical safety as it relates to emerging policy issues and issues of concern, covering in particular the period beyond 2020. The Bureau agreed at its May 2017 meeting for the secretariat to prepare a paper, for the second intersessional meeting, that reviews the broader concept of gender and the sound management of chemicals and waste, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable