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UN convention parties open talks on environmental-crime protocol

Parties to the UN convention against transnational organised crime approved negotiations on an environmental-crime protocol in Vienna. The proposed scope spans wildlife, timber, minerals and waste trafficking. The United States opposed the resolution, which passed by 83 votes to 12 with 27 abstentions. Specific offences, obligations and participation arrangements remain to be negotiated.

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Delegates at curved rows of desks face a chairing panel beneath a UN flag in a bright conference chamber with tall windows.

Vienna vote opens protocol negotiations

Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime agreed to negotiate an additional protocol on environmental crime. The Vienna decision opens work on a legal instrument to address organised illicit trade affecting the environment.[1], [2]

The resolution passed on 23 October by 83 votes to 12, with 27 abstentions. The United States opposed it, and three American amendment proposals failed. Latin American sponsors included Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Uruguay, alongside African co-sponsors. The parties went to a vote after consensus proved unavailable.[1]

Talks cover wildlife, minerals and waste trafficking

A negotiating committee will address trafficking in wild animals, plants and timber products, as well as illegal mining, minerals, precious metals and waste. The Wildlife Conservation Society, a conservation organisation supporting the initiative, said talks were intended to run for two years before an agreement returned to the parties’ conference in 2028. Offences and implementation terms remain to be negotiated.[1]

Indigenous participation arrangements remain unresolved

The resolution recognises Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ contribution to fighting environmental crime, while their participation mechanism remains unresolved. It also requires respect for states’ sovereignty over natural resources and avoidance of duplication with existing environmental agreements. The convention already has protocols on trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling and firearms; the new initiative begins a further drafting process.[1]

References

  1. News sourceEFE / BioBioChileUN convention parties approve negotiations on environmental-crime protocol↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceLa Silla VacíaNegotiations advance on a new environmental-crime protocol↩
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