HRC53| NEP calls for developing legally binding instrument on plastic pollution at COP28

United Nations Environment Program [UNEP] Management Officer Soo-Young Hwang called for developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution at the upcoming COP28 climate conference due to convene in Dubai.

“The realization of food and the realization of the right to a clean healthy and sustainable environment are inherently interconnected,” said Soo-Young Hwang in her speech at a session on climate change and the right to food at the 21st Meeting of the 53rd Regular Session of the Human Rights Council on Wednesday, July 5.

She highlighted that recognition of the right to a healthy environment by the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly has prompted governments to recognize the importance and criticality of a healthy environment.

Soo-Young Hwang said that numerous opportunities exist to integrate the right to help the environment by making the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution at COP 28, which is due to convene November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai.

“The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly is fully committed to supporting states and other stakeholders in integrating and implementing this right for all,” she added.

In February 2022, the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly agreed to develop this instrument by 2024, as the non-stop growth of plastic pollution represents a “serious global environmental issue.”

In the same context, the UAE has adopted a national plan to get rid of single-use plastic bags as part of reducing plastic pollution. The emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah imposed a financial tariff of 25 fils (about $0.07) on single-use plastic bags, according to Green Bags UAE.