The International Labour Organization (ILO) attended and organised the participation of tripartite constituents in the fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management in Bonn in September in which they adopted two key documents: the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) and the Bonn High-Level Declaration on Chemicals.
The aim of the GFC is to prevent, or where prevention is not feasible, minimise harm from chemicals and waste to protect human health, including that of workers.
Workers are among those most exposed to hazardous chemicals. Of these, more than one millions workers lose their lives due to hazardous chemical exposures, while countless others suffer from debilitating disease and lifelong disabilities.
The ILO and its constituents were able to successfully negotiate and secure critical text in the documents to promote labour sector engagement, and key ILO principles related to:
The framework also includes a direct reference to international labour standards.
Overall, this marks an important win for the world of work and will ensure that key ILO principles such as decent work and social justice will be mainstreamed into global processes involving sound chemicals and waste management by high level stakeholders.
Welcomed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP welcomed the GFC, stating that it provides a vision for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste, for a safe, healthy and sustainable future, and is an important part of the wider tapestry of agreements such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the global treaty on plastic pollution, under negotiation.
The Framework is based on 28 targets that aim to improve the sound management of chemicals and waste. Governments have committed to creating by 2030, the regulatory environment to reduce chemical pollution and implement policies to promote safer alternatives.
Industry has committed to managing chemicals in a way that reduces chemical pollution and adverse impacts by 2030. 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. There is a target on strengthening links between the new instrument and the climate, biodiversity, human rights and health agendas.
Crucially, an integrated approach to financing was agreed, with private sector financing lining up with the targets of the agreement. A dedicated trust fund will be set up and managed by the UNEP. Into this fund, governments, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and foundations can add to an initial EUR 20 million pledged by Germany.
Inger Anderson, Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of the UNEP, said: "I call on all parties to start acting immediately. The World Health Organization tells us that direct chemical pollution of the air, land, water and workplace is causing two million deaths per year. Ecosystems and species are withering and dying. Chemicals and waste pollution are at the heart of injustice and inequity".
"Everyone on this planet should be able to live and work without fear of falling sick or dying from chemical exposure. Nature, free from pollution, should be able to thrive and support humanity for millennia to come. I call on all involved in the framework to accelerate action and ambition and achieve the vision of a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste".
Key elements in the GFC
It was agreed that the overall aim of the framework should explicitly reference workers in the introduction: "The aim of the framework is 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".
Specific reference is made to the Just Transition as a "Principle and Approach" of the Framework: "The shift to sustainable production can have unintended impacts on communities, health and livelihoods. A just transition towards an environmentally sustainable economy with the sound management of chemicals and waste contributes to the goals of decent work for all, social inclusion, protection of human rights and the eradication of poverty".
There is explicit acknowledgement of the critical nature of enhanced engagement with the labour sector: "Sound management of chemicals and waste in the world of work is essential for protecting workers, communities and the environment. A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work; therefore, all workers should be protected from hazardous chemicals and waste, along the entire supply chain. Workplace measures and policies, including the ratification and implementation of relevant International Labour standards, should be integrated in chemicals and waste management efforts".
The section on enhanced sectoral engagement also explicitly references due diligence: "Industry and the private sector should conduct due diligence to ensure that international standards, including International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, on health and safety in the management of chemicals and waste are put in place throughout their value chains to protect health and respect human rights".
There is a target dedicated specifically to OSH: "Target D7 – By 2030, stakeholders implement measures and strive to ensure effective occupational health and safety practices as well as environmental protection measures in all relevant sectors and throughout the supply chain".
The Annex provides a framework for principles and approaches to follow, and all ILO standards on OSH and chemicals are referenced as well as relevant guidelines.
