International Cooperation and Agreements

The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty that sets out a framework for action to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

The CLRTAP is an international environmental treaty that aims to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other air pollutants that cause acid rain and transboundary air pollution.

The Montreal Protocol is an international environmental treaty that aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

The CBD is an international environmental treaty that aims to promote cooperation on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

The Basel Convention covers a wide range of hazardous wastes, including clinical wastes, electronic wastes, and industrial wastes. However, municipal solid wastes are not considered hazardous wastes under the convention.

The Rotterdam Convention covers pesticides and industrial chemicals, but not cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

The Stockholm Convention aims to eliminate or restrict the production, use, and release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are chemicals that are resistant to degradation and can accumulate in the environment and human body.

CITES regulates the international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, live animals and plants, and animal products.

The Ramsar Convention aims to protect wetlands, which are areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.

The World Heritage Convention aims to protect cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value, such as monuments, buildings, sites, natural features, and cultural landscapes.

The ICCPR recognizes the right to life, the right to freedom of expression, the right to freedom of assembly, and a range of other civil and political rights.

The ICESCR recognizes the right to work, the right to social security, the right to education, and a range of other economic, social, and cultural rights.

The CRC aims to protect the rights of children, defined as individuals under the age of 18.

CEDAW aims to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including political, economic, social, cultural, and civil.

The CRPD aims to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, defined as individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.