1. Inaugural Discussions on the Global Programme on Sustainable Ship Recycling Dhaka, Bangladesh – 12 January 2008 Donata Rugarabamu Secretariat of the Basel Convention (UNEP)

2. Background The proposal recognises the efforts by various recycling States, donors, UN agencies and other public and private stakeholders to establish sustainable, safe and environmentally sound ship recycling industries. The proposal seeks to complement and identify synergies between not only these efforts, but also national initiatives undertaken related to ship recycling. Timescales for activities under the Programme are subject to the level of commitment obtained from all the stakeholders, including donors, but it is envisaged the Programme activities will be undertaken over a period of at least 5 years. Implementation is intended to focus on activities in the Ship recycling States, and to respond to developments at the international level in this field.

3. The three organizations The International Labour Organization: The specialized agency of the United Nations which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. The International Labour Office is the secretariat of the International Labour Organization. The International Maritime Organization: The specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for improving maritime safety and preventing pollution from ships. The Basel Convention: A global treaty which aims to protect, by strict control, human health and the environment against the adverse effects which may result from the generation and management of hazardous wastes and other wastes. Its Secretariat is provided by the United Nations Environment Programme.

4. Objectives of the Global Programme To promote the sustainability of the ship recycling industry by enhancing the application of internationally recognized standards relating to occupational safety and health (OSH) and environmental protection. To promote effective implementation of the future Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling being negotiated under the auspices of the IMO, by building upon existing technical assistance activities promoting the guidelines of the IMO, ILO and Basel Convention, and elements of the new Convention (as developed). To promote an integrated approach to the ship recycling industry, by addressing infrastructural and other needs in the participant countries in and beyond the ship recycling yards.

5. Fundamental Principles 1.Life-cycle approach: Safe and environmentally sound ship recycling requires appropriate infrastructure not only within, but also beyond the yard. 2.Inclusion: Inclusion of ship recycling in national development, and poverty reduction, strategies is essential to the creation of sustainable ship recycling industries. 3.Collaboration: Collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, including representatives of governments, ship recycling associations, workers and NGOs of the ship recycling countries, donors. 4.Continuity: Building upon work already done, and putting in place processes and procedures for the long-term.

6. Activities 1.Policy development: To assist national regulators in preparing for the new Convention, and any other relevant international standards. 2.Linkages: Establishing linkages with related programmes being implemented. E.g. programmes related to urban planning, waste management, health facilities. 3.Training and workshops: On good practice, new procedures and techniques, aimed at promoting OSH and environmental standards. 4.Development of model facilities: Operational and infrastructural improvements at identified lead yards to provide a blueprint for other yards to follow. 5.Development of certification scheme(s): Certification to provide a yardstick by which to assess the adherence of a yard to internationally accepted OSH and environmental standards.

7. Oversight, coordination and Programme management International Steering Committee: All participant governments, IGOs, donor countries/organizations, representatives from industry; representatives of labour and civil society organizations. To provide guidance from the international perspective and maintain an overview of the Global Programme. National Steering Committees: Composed of relevant stakeholders at national level to monitor and provide guidance on implementation of activities. Programme management: One secretariat may take the lead in ensuring coordination between the three Secretariats for management of the Global Programme.