The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention (COP-5), was held in Geneva from 30 October to 3 November 2023. During the meeting, 23 significant decisions were made to keep protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury.
Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General, ESDO, and Siddika Sultana, Executive Director, ESDO, actively participated in the meeting. On behalf of ESDO and IPEN, Siddika Sultana, Executive Director, ESDO has given a statement on the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5).
“To address the continuous global mercury crisis emanating from Skin Lightening Products, ESDO and IPEN support the proposed amendment by the African Region to phasing out mercury in cosmetics and strengthen the existing provisions within the Convention. These products are mainly used by women and therefore this is highly relevant to gender issues.
Along with this, ESDO and IPEN also support the amendment of phasing out the use of mercury dental amalgam by 2030, discouraging the use of this amalgam for pregnant women and children, and the overall phase-out dental amalgam from 2023, which is already enforced. We believe endorsing this amendment is achievable, as it can be implemented without compromising dental care requirements, given the global availability, efficacy, and affordability of mercury-free alternatives.”
