Support to the work of scientific bodies

Background

The Chemical Review Committee (CRC) and the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) are the scientific subsidiary bodies under the two conventions and play a central role in the process of listing new chemicals and advancing the technical work under the conventions. Both committees follow a number of processes and policies in reviewing chemicals for listing under the conventions.

In their respective decisions RC-7/3 and SC-7/15, the conferences of the Parties to the Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions have invited the Secretariat to continue to undertake activities to support Parties and others to participate in effectively in the work of the committees. These activities are intended to serve as a platform to promote the understanding of the scientific and technical aspects of the conventions and facilitate the exchange of scientific and technical information among Parties, current and former members of the committees and other stakeholders so as to contribute to the effective work of the committees.

Objectives

  • Enhanced participants’ understanding of the processes for reviewing and listing chemicals under the Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, including on the relevant scientific information to be provided by Parties and stakeholders for a successful review process;
  • Opportunities for information exchange and networking among Parties, Committee members, experts and other stakeholders are provided;
  • Participants will also be informed about the preparations for the forthcoming sessions of the committees, in particular they will have a clear understanding of the intersessional work required and be able to participate in it;
  • Experience and opportunities are shared on enhancing a synergized approach to contribute to the science-based processes under the conventions at the national and regional levels;
  • The CRC and POPRC meetings will have balanced participation by observers including from developing countries and countries in economies in transition.
  • The newly appointed POPRC members will be familiarized with the chemicals under consideration by the Committee and various processes relevant to the mandate and work of the Committee;
  • POPRC invited experts will participate in the meetings of the Committee and provide expertise necessary to support its work.

Recent Activities