2nd Workshop on the Implementation of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Tsakhkadzor, November 2001

Workshop on the Implementation of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Definition In this context ‘Compliance’ means the fulfilment by the contracting Parties of their obligations under a multilateral environmental agreement and any amendments to the multilateral agreement

Workshop on the Implementation of the Aarhus Convention Compliance mechanism Objectives and purpose –Raise awareness of transposition and implementation problems –Monitor, facilitate and promote the implementation and compliance of Parties –Providing assistance to Parties –Increase the efficiency of the Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) Principles –Non-confrontational –Non-judicial –Consultative –Simple, flexible –Transparent –Assisting Compliance/Implementation Committee

Workshop on the Implementation of the Aarhus Convention Compliance mechanism Functions –Consideration of submissions concerning a Party’s compliance –Periodic review of compliance –Preparation of reports at the request of the Meeting of the Parties Actions –Report to MOP –Measures – Recommendations, inter alia: Provide advice and facilitate assistance to individual Parties regarding the implementation of the Convention Recommendations to the Party concerned Request the Party to submit a strategy Publicize non-compliance Issue cautions

Workshop on the Implementation of the Aarhus Convention Aarhus Convention Compliance mechanism Article 15 Draft decision for the first meeting of the Parties Working Group on Compliance and Rules of procedures

Workshop on the Implementation of the Aarhus Convention Aarhus Convention Compliance mechanism Major issues –Composition of the Compliance Committee Two options: 1. Parties, NGOs (observers or members) 2. Independent, individual experts, elected by the Meeting of the Parties, and serving in their personal capacity

Workshop on the Implementation of the Aarhus Convention Aarhus Convention Compliance mechanism Major issues cont’d –Communications from the public –Reporting requirements The Compliance Committee would be given the mandate to draw up reporting requirements.