Mr. President,

The EU thanks the Special Rapporteur and we reiterate our strong support for his mandate.

The report before us explicitly addresses the harms of the use of mercury in small scale gold mining. The adverse impact on human rights, including via bioaccumulation and environmental harm, is clear and especially felt by indigenous peoples, women and girls, children and persons in vulnerable situations. Once again we are confronted with the inextricable link between human rights and the protection of our health and environment, and of the importance of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

The significant  decrease in trade and supply of mercury in the past 20 years, including thanks to the 2013 Minamata Convention, is an important sign that international action is possible. The EU, which went further than most by banning mercury exports back in 2011, and which is well on track to becoming mercury-free, is proud of its contribution to this result. Yet more needs to be done and we will carefully study the recommendations of the SR in this respect.

Mister Special Rapporteur,

Can you further elaborate on how you think States can better implement article 7 of the Minamata Convention on artisanal and small-scale gold mining?