Entry into Force
The Minamata Convention enters into force on the 16 August 2017.
The Minamata Convention
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury.
The Convention draws attention to a global and ubiquitous metal that, while naturally occurring, has broad uses in everyday objects and is released to the atmosphere, soil and water from a variety of sources. Controlling the anthropogenic releases of mercury throughout its lifecycle has been a key factor in shaping the obligations under the Convention.
Major highlights of the Minamata Convention include a ban on new mercury mines, the phase-out of existing ones, the phase out and phase down of mercury use in a number of products and processes, control measures on emissions to air and on releases to land and water, and the regulation of the informal sector of artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The Convention also addresses interim storage of mercury and its disposal once it becomes waste, sites contaminated by mercury as well as health issues.
Negotiations Process
In February 2009, the Governing Council of UNEP adopted Decision 25/5 on the development of a global legally binding instrument on mercury.
In October 2013, following the conclusion of the negotiations at the fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC5), the text was adopted and opened for signature at a Diplomatic Conference (Conference of Plenipotentiaries).
In September 2017, the First Conference of the Parties will culminate in a High-Level Segment, entitled “Make Mercury History”, to celebrate the commitment of the international community to the Minamata Convention.
source：UNEP