Post-WGD 4

Next steps, processes

...towards COP-8

UNECE Industrial Accidents Convention4th meeting of WGD, 28–29 April 2014

Revised Annex I:Steps to forward it to the COP

• Agreement at WGD-4 to unanimously agree on a revised Annex I

• Draft COP decision prepared by the secretariat upon request by the Chair

• Consultation of the draft decision with the Bureau (16-17 June)

• Chair will write to the UNECE Executive Secretary, attaching new Annex and requesting its circulation 90 days in advance of COP

• By 2 Sept: Secretariat will circulate to all Parties

Evaluation of possible amendments to the Convention by WGD-4

• WGD-4 report with Annex containing the rationale for a „yes“ or „no“ decision on each of the amendments identified by COP-7

• Body of the report to reflect key considerations and outcome for each possible amendment

• One additional section of the report to reflect all items that are evaluated as not requiring an amendment but that should be further addressed by means of

– COP Decision– COP Guidance

Evaluation of possible amendments to the Convention by WGD-4: YES

– Anticipation by COP-7 that Parties would at COP-8 prioritize matters with a view to taking a decision on the amendments at COP-9

– Between COP-8 and COP-9: further consideration of amendments by WGD

Evaluation of possible amendments to the Convention by WGD-4: NO

I. Recommendation by WGD-4 to COP-8 that no amendmend is necessary and no need to further address issue immediately

(e.g. because expected benefit too small to justify enacting an amendment)

II. Recommendation by WGD-4 to COP-8 that no amendment is necessary but to address issues through- COP Decision- COP Guidance

• COP-8 to mandate WGD or another body to develop such draft guidance/decision (e.g. on compliance, clarified strengthened reporting obligations, revised ToR subsidiary bodies) with a view of taking decisions at COP-9

Role of the Bureau

• To prioritize issues for recommendation to the COP with regard to COP guidance/decisions

• To consider and recommend to COP-8 which subsidiary bodies, groups or processes might be most appriopriate for considering/negotiating guidance/decisions for possible adoption by COP-9