SAICM — a global strategy on toxic chemicals
Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), was adopted by the International Conference on Chemicals Managment (ICCM) on 6 February 2006 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The purpose is to provide an overarching framework for global action on chemical hazards and enable governments and other stakeholders to collaborate more effectively on reducing toxic risks. SAICM is also intended as an instrument to achieve the goal agreed at the 2002 Johannesburg World Summit, where countries agreed to ensure that, by the year 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.
SAICM comprises three core texts:
- The Dubai Declaration, which expresses the commitment to SAICM by Ministers,
heads of delegation and representatives of civil society and the private
sector.
- The Overarching Policy Strategy, which sets out the scope of SAICM, the
needs it addresses and objectives for risk reduction, knowledge and information,
governance, capacity-building and technical cooperation and illegal international
traffic, as well as underlying principles and financial and institutional
arrangements. The ICCM (International Conference on Chemicals Management)
adopted the Overarching Policy Strategy which together with the Dubai Declaration
constitutes a firm commitment to SAICM and its implementation.
- A Global Plan of Action, which sets out proposed "work areas and
activities" for implementation of the Strategic Approach. The ICCM
recommended the use and further development of the Global Plan of Action
as a working tool and guidance document.
ChemSec’s role
The national implementation of SAICM has now started and there is a need for capacity building, especially among developing countries. NGOs in developing countries and countries with economies in transition will have a key role to play to push for national implementation plans and to monitor that plans are being followed. ChemSec, as a European NGO, has an important role to play to influence the EU to contribute to the so called Quick-start programme (i.e. capacity building for developing countries). ChemSec is also collaborating with the IPEN network to make sure that the strategy is implemented and action taken as intended.For information on SAICM meetings please go to Upcoming
events