USANewsOnline.Com Desk, New York : 18 April, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York handed over the Instrument of Ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury by the Government of Bangladesh to the United Nations. David Nanopoulos, Chief of Treaty Section received the instrument on behalf of the UN. With that submission, Bangladesh has formally become party to the above Convention.
Recently the Government of Bangladesh has decided to ratify the Convention following a series of consultations held with all relevant stakeholders.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. Through enhancing international cooperation for the reduction of mercury pollution, the Convention saves the environment and the lives of millions of people around the world. Mercury is also in the top 10 of chemicals of major public health concern according to the World Health Organization. By joining the Convention as a party, Bangladesh is reaffirming its strong commitment to the global efforts in reducing mercury pollution to save our mother planet and its habitants.
It may be noted that the Convention was adopted and opened for signature on 10 October 2013 at a diplomatic conference held in Kumamoto, Japan. As of now, 140 countries have become parties to the Convention and by ratifying the treaty, Bangladesh has become the 141st party to the Convention. Press Release