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Countries commit to phase out Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) from agriculture by 2035 in the newly adopted Global Framework on Chemicals: For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste

During ICCM5 in Bonn, Germany, from September 25-29, 2023, the world adopted the Global Framework on Chemicals, a voluntary instrument aimed at sound management of chemicals and waste. It emphasizes preventing or minimizing harm from chemicals and waste to protect the environment, human health, and vulnerable groups. CEJAD played a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of a target to phase out highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035 where risks are unmanaged and safer alternatives exist.

After many years of negotiations, the world adopted the Global Framework on Chemicals, a voluntary instrument on sound management of chemicals and waste. The instrument was adopted during the fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), from 25 to 29 September 2023, in Bonn, Germany. 

The instrument aims “to prevent or, where prevention is not feasible, minimize harm from chemicals and waste to protect the environment and human health, including that of vulnerable groups and workers.” 

The adoption of the instrument was a big achievement for those who have been in the forefront in advocating for inclusion of HHPs in new instruments. The framework calls for a phase out of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture where the risks have not been managed and safer alternatives are available by 2035. CEJAD played a key role in the inclusion of this target in the new Global Framework on Chemicals. 

Caption: CEJAD and Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP) delegation at ICCM 5 in Bonn Germany

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Under this program, CEJAD aims to eliminate the risk posed by exposure to lead in paints to women and children, and improve the regulatory frameworks to phase out lead in paint at national, regional and international level.

Our work under this program aims to promote the phase out of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) from use, especially in agriculture to protect human health and the environment. The use of HHPs is threatening the lives of vulnerable populations, food systems, biodiversity and the environment at large.

Our work under the Mercury Program aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds in line with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a legally binding global treaty adopted in 2013. Kenya is a party to the Minamata Convention.

The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, protects the ozone layer by regulating ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). It mandates the phase-out of CFC and HCFC production and consumption with specific timeframes for different Parties, based on their status as a developed or developing country.

Our work under this program aims to reduce the health and environmental impacts associated with waste and plastics throughout their life cycle. Over the years, plastic and plastic products have emerged as problematic and hazardous to human health and the environment.