UN treaty curbing mercury emission comes into effect

The Minamata Convention -- a UN treaty aimed at curbing worldwide extraction, usage and emission of mercury in order to protect human health and the environment -- has come into effect on Wednesday, said a press release.

Michael Bender, coordinator of Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG), said, “While there are alternatives to mercury, there are no alternatives to global cooperation.”

“Mercury respects no boundaries and exposes people everywhere,” said Dr Shahriar Hossain, secretary general of Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO).

Expressing their concern over the emission of mercury, both the experts in the press statement said, “Only a global pact can curtail this dangerous neurotoxin.”

“We are now on the right track,” said Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, project manager of European Environmental Bureau and ZMWG co-coordinator. 

In October 2013, the convention text was adopted and signed by 128 countries. The convention was ratified in May this year and it entered into force on August 16. 

The first conference of the Parties will take place from September 24 to 29 in Geneva, Switzerland.