On 5 January, the Government of Italy deposited its instrument of ratification, thereby becoming the 127th Party to the Minamata Convention and the first country to join in the new year 2021.
The Governing Board of the Specific International Programme met in Geneva from 22-24 January and approved ten projects for over 2 million dollars: please read the statement by the Co-Chairs, Mr. Obed Baloyi and Mr. Andrew Clark.
A high-level regional meeting in Libreville, Gabon, brought together African ministers, international experts and civil society leaders to address the public health and environmental risks posed by mercury-containing skin-lightening cosmetics.
Minamata Convention Secretariat enjoyed the celebration and presented on how the convention tackles mercury pollution through a life-cycle approach.