Mandate

The mandate given by the Governing Council of UNEP, as it relates to lead and cadmium, at its 24th session/Global Ministerial Environment Forum in February 2007 is provided in full text below.

EXCERPT OF THE DECISIONS ADOPTED BY
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL/GLOBAL MINISTERIAL ENVIRONMENT FORUM
AT ITS TWENTY-FOURTH SESSION

10th meeting
9 February 2007

Decision 24/3:   Chemicals management

The Governing Council,

Recalling its decisions 18/12 of 26 May 1995, 19/13 of 7 February 1997, 20/23 of 4 February 1999, SS.VII/3 of 15 February 2002, 22/4 of 7 February 2003, 23/9 of 25 February 2005 and SS.IX/1 of 9 February 2006 concerning global policies related to chemicals management and the development of a strategic approach to international chemicals management,

Recalling its decision 23/9 II of 25 February 2005 urging the further development of a strategic approach to international chemicals management and its decision SS.IX/1 of 9 February 2006 endorsing the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management as adopted by the International Conference on Chemicals Management in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 6 February 2006,

Acknowledging the widespread concerns over the serious adverse effects of mercury on human health and the environment and the urgent need for international action,

Noting the Budapest Statement on Mercury, Lead and Cadmium developed at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety held in Budapest, Hungary, from 25 to 29 September 2006,

Expressing appreciation for the activities of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Global Mercury Project on Small-Scale Gold Mining,

Taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as reflected in Principle 7 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development¹⁰ in addition to the other relevant Rio Declaration Principles,

Having considered the report of the Executive Director on chemicals
management ¹¹

[....]

III

Lead and cadmium   

12. Acknowledges the data and information gaps identified in the United Nations Environment Programme Interim Scientific Reviews on Lead and Cadmium¹³ and that further action is needed to fill those data and information gaps, taking into account the specific situation of developing countries and countries with economies in transition;

13. Encourages efforts by Governments and others to reduce risks to human health and the environment of lead and cadmium throughout the whole life cycle of those substances;

14. Requests the Executive Director to provide available information on lead and cadmium to address the data and information gaps identified in the Interim Reviews and to compile an inventory of existing risk management measures;