Joint written statement, Open-Ended Working Group on a Science- Policy Panel (OEWG 2) – December 2023

Joint written statement, Open-Ended Working Group on a Science- Policy Panel (OEWG 2) – December 2023 The role of the Science-Policy Panel in addressing the health and ecological impact of conflict pollution and the toxic remnants of war. [...] The Science-Policy Panel can contribute to the implementation of these resolutions, and help build and sustain attention on the health and ecological risks of conflict pollution. [...] The panel could also be of critical importance in encouraging research into the health and ecological burden of conflict pollution, in highlighting the need for environmental and epidemiological research in affected areas, and for victim assistance and environmental remediation. [...] The PERAC legal framework contains principles on the toxic and hazardous remnants of war on land and at sea, and also addresses environmental assessments, remedial measures and compensation, relief and assistance and the need for access to information from military actors.1 UNEA resolution 3/1, and the PERAC principles, demonstrate the growing concern and acknowledgment of the risks that conflict. [...] This is a joint statement on behalf of the following organisations: • Apopo • Norwegian People’s Aid • Conflict and Environment Observatory • PAX • Centre for Environmental Initiatives “Ecoaction” • Society for the Environment • Legacies of War • The Institution of Environmental Sciences • Mines Advisory Group • The International Humanitarian Law and • Network for Industrially Contaminated Land La.