The Brazilian government lamented on Sunday (17) the new suspension of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Trading Committee responsible for elaborating an international instrument to combat plastics pollution, including in the marine environment. The suspension occurred during the committee meeting held this month in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to a note released by Itamaraty, “The Brazilian delegation participated in an active and constructive manner of negotiations in Geneva, defending balanced positions that sought to reconcile different views on how to face plastic pollution, in a context of polarization between countries.”
Brazil has presented proposals in strategic areas such as financing, health, international cooperation and fair transition, highlighting the importance of proper support from developing countries. It was also emphasized the recognition of the fundamental role of pickers and pickers in the waste chain.
The defense of greater protection to human rights, including those of indigenous peoples, traditional communities, seafood and artisanal fishermen, was another prominent point of Brazilian action.
According to the diplomats, the advance in discussions on fair transition was well received by organizations of workers and representatives of the recycling sector, who recognized the appreciation of the social and economic importance of millions of people involved in waste management.
With an intermediate position, Brazil sought to bring divergent views closer, especially on sensitive themes such as the most polluting plastic products and the risks to human health. Despite progress, the time available was not enough to achieve global consensus on the rules to combat plastic pollution.
“After three years of intense negotiations within the scope of INC, the Brazilian government reiterates its commitment to engaged in negotiating efforts with a view to adopting an international agreement that is able to promote the end of plastics pollution, protecting the environment and human health and incorporating social concerns from the perspective of sustainable development,” the Ministry of Foreign Ministry concludes.
