The Emergence of International Environmental Law on Chemicals - An Appraisal of the Role of Soft Law

20 Pages Posted: 28 Jun 2007

See all articles by Damilola S. Olawuyi

Damilola S. Olawuyi

College of Law, Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Date Written: June 20, 2007

Abstract

Since 1988 when the world first witnessed the menacing effects of the large scale dumping of toxic wastes in developing countries, several treaties, protocols and declarations have been released at regional and international levels to combat the effects of chemicals and their disposal across borders. This has led to a phenomenal growth in the body of laws governing the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous chemicals. The important role of soft law in this evolution cannot be sidelined. This paper shows that soft law, though largely made up non binding declarations and pronouncements served as a useful tool, in establishing standards of behavior, in promoting sustainable policies and laying the proper foundation that ultimately led to the adoption different environmental treaties like the Basel Convention, Bamako Conventions, The Rotterdam (PIC) Convention and Stockholm (POPs) Convention amongst others. This paper offers an historical analysis of the international events that led to the development of International Environmental Law as it pertains to chemicals and the important roles of soft law in the evolution of these treaties and protocols.

Suggested Citation

Olawuyi, Damilola S., The Emergence of International Environmental Law on Chemicals - An Appraisal of the Role of Soft Law (June 20, 2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=996430 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.996430

Damilola S. Olawuyi (Contact Author)

College of Law, Hamad Bin Khalifa University ( email )

P.O. Box: 5825
Education City
Doha
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HOME PAGE: http://https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/clpp/staff/damilola-s-olawuyi

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