Governance framework for National SAICM implementation (Belarus)

1. Governance framework for National SAICM implementation (Belarus) TWS on Governance, Civil Society Participation and Strengthening Partnership for Chemicals and Waste Management and SAICM implementation 19-21 June 2006, Geneva, Switzerland Irina Zastenskaya Bealrus

2. What is governance (for SAICM)? • HLD • 18. …effective and efficient governance of chemicals management by means of transparency, public participation and accountability involving all sectors of society, in particular striving for the equal participation of women in chemicals management; • 19. …partnerships between Governments, the private sector and civil society, including strengthening participation in the implementation of the Strategic Approach by small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector; • OPS • 5 …. There is also the need for countries to have more effective governance structures to help make the Strategic Approach a lasting success. • C. Governance • management of chemicals throughout their life cycle by means of appropriate national, regional and international mechanisms • integrated programmes for sound chemicals management across all sectors • the implementation of national laws and regulations regarding chemicals management, including those that serve to implement international agreements; • relevant codes of conduct • participation by all sectors of civil society, particularly women, workers and indigenous communities • the prevention of illegal international traffic in chemicals

3. National Experience in coordination • Development of legislation • Coordination committee (Council of Ministers – emergency situation) • Coordination committee (some ministries for special issue – POPs, pesticides) • Ad hoc working groups (mercury, bird flu, etc.) • Information exchange carried out in accordance with the national legislation

4. Obstacles • limited information for all stakeholders (government, industry, public society); • not evident profit of SAICM implementation; • misunderstanding of new role by all stakeholders; • economic and other social priorities • lack of resources (including financial);

5. How to include SAICM in National development process • to show benefits promoting production and trade increase reliability to products input to social problems decision decrease the rate of chemical related diseases decrease chemical related accidents clean water, air, food, inside environment, etc.

6. ICCM Secretariat Coordination Committee (subcommittee) (Council of Ministers) Committee at one of key ministry (with vice-minister a head) - to develop the policy to take decisions National focal points (SAICM and conventions)? Institution (chemical branch in key ministries) day to day activity Coordination in SAICM framework

7. How to involve the industry, civil society The main actors (according to Resolution 4 of ICCM) for SAICM implementation are government, industry, public interest groups, the science community and its institution, workers and their organizationsinvitation • invitation • the stick and the carrot policy • provide information • develop education programmes Enforce legislation

8. Areas for coordination

9. Actions to overtake obstacles (first stage of implementation) • small multi-sectoral working group: • information and knowledge to raise awareness to develop short course for decision making persons in health, environment sectors, custom, industry to provide initial information at state language • institutional framework to develop recommendations for coordination mechanism (to form special commission? To put additional authorities and field of activities for one of acting commission? To put form the secretariat or not? To put authorities to one of leading ministries?) to form the information channel (if we can use one of existing web-sites; what recourses are necessary to provide its work; what kind of information is necessary at first stage of SAICM implementation?)

10. Thank you