Rotterdam Convention
| Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade | |
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| The logo of the Rotterdam Convention Secretariat | |
| Type | United Nations treaty |
| Signed | 10 September 1998 |
| Location | Rotterdam, The Netherlands |
| Effective | 24 February 2004 |
| Condition | Ninety days after the ratification by at least 50 signatory states |
| Signatories | 73 |
| Parties | 144 |
| Depositary | Secretary-General of the United Nations |
| Languages | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish |
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, more commonly known simply as the Rotterdam Convention, is a multilateral treaty to promote shared responsibilities in relation to importation of hazardous chemicals. The convention promotes open exchange of information and calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use proper labeling, include directions on safe handling, and inform purchasers of any known restrictions or bans. Signatory nations can decide whether to allow or ban the importation of chemicals listed in the treaty, and exporting countries are obliged make sure that producers within their jurisdiction comply.
Contents |
[edit] Substances covered under the Convention
- 2,4,5-T and its salts and esters
- Alachlor
- Aldicarb
- Aldrin
- Asbestos - Actinolite, Anthophyllite, Amosite, Crocidolite, and Tremolite only
- Benomyl (certain formulations)
- Binapacryl
- Captafol
- Carbofuran (certain formulations)
- Chlordane
- Chlordimeform
- Chlorobenzilate
- DDT
- Dieldrin
- Dinitro-ortho-cresol (DNOC) and its salts
- Dinoseb and its salts and esters
- 1,2-dibromoethane (EDB)
- Endosulfan
- Ethylene dichloride
- Ethylene oxide
- Fluoroacetamide
- Hexachlorocyclohexane (mixed isomers)
- Heptachlor
- Hexachlorobenzene
- Lindane
- Mercury compounds including inorganic and organometallic mercury compounds
- Methamidophos (certain formulations)
- Methyl parathion (certain formulations)
- Monocrotophos
- Parathion
- Pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters
- Phosphamidon (certain formulations)
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
- Polychlorinated terphenyls (PCT)
[edit] Substances proposed for addition to the Convention
[edit] 2011 Meetings: Global Controversy over Canada's Stand on Chrysotile
At the 2011 meeting of the Rotterdam Convention in Geneva, the Canadian delegation surprised many with their continued refusal to allow the addition of chrysotile asbestos fibers to the Rotterdam Convention[1],[2][3] [4]
Since Canada's declaration made by David Sproule, Canada has been referred to as a "rogue nation".[5] Hearings are scheduled in the EU in the near future to evaluate the position of Canada and decide on the possibility of a punitive course of action.[6][7][8]
In continuing its objection, Canada becomes the only G8 country objecting to the listing. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine continued their objections Thursday as the parties headed into a breakout session to try to work through some of the objections. Vietnam had also raised an objection, but missed a followup meeting on the issue.[9] In taking its position, the Harper Government came into direct conflict with India, who had changed its long-standing objection to the addition of chrysotile to the list just prior to the 2011 conference.[10]
Numerous Non-governmental Organizations have publicly expressed criticism of Canada's decision to block this addition.[11] [12] [13] [14] [15]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Canadian Cancer Society Reacts to Conservative Harper Administration's Position on Chrysotile, June 23, 2011
- ^ Canadian comedianne fails to see humor in Canadian position on treaty
- ^ [http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Conference+slams+Canada+stance+asbestos/5003320/story.html UN Delegates Shocked at Canadian Stand on Chrysotile, June 24, 2011
- ^ Canadian Physicians criticize own government
- ^ Kazan, Laurie (2011-06-27). "Canada, A Pariah State". Ibasecretariat.org. http://ibasecretariat.org/lka-canada-pariah-state.php. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
- ^ O'Neil, Peter (2011-06-08). "European Parliament slams Canada's oilsands, asbestos, sealing industries". Canada.com. http://www.canada.com/business/European+Parliament+slams+Canada+oilsands+asbestos+sealing+industries/4914343/story.html. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
- ^ "MEPs favour EU-Canada trade deal, but worry about seals, tar sand oil and asbestos". Europarl.europa.eu. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/content/20110608IPR20931/html/MEPs-favour-EU-Canada-trade-deal-but-worry-about-seals-oil-and-asbestos. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
- ^ "UPDATE: European Parliament to be asked to take sanctions against Canada on asbestos, June 30". Council of Canadians. 2011-06-29. http://www.canadians.org/campaignblog/?p=8438. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
- ^ Canada Wins 2-year Stay on Potential Ban of Exports of Chrysotile Asbestos to India
- ^ India: position advocating the addition of chrysotile to Rotterdam Convention, May 31, 2011
- ^ Women In Europe for a Concerned Future criticize Canada's stance in 2011
- ^ 2011 Rotterdam Convention Decision criticized by environmental groups
- ^ Canadian Cancer Society denounces decision by Canadian Government
- ^ International Ban Asbestos Secretariat issues statement critical of Canadian decision
- ^ Indian Center for Science and Environment issues statement criticizing Canada
[edit] External links
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